Accounting Director

Accountant - Director

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, a national law firm, currently has an excellent full-time employment opportunity for an Accounting Director in our Chicago Office. We offer competitive compensation and an excellent benefits package plus a 35 hour work week.

Position Summary:

Direct and oversee financial activities of the organization in the areas of: Accounts Payable; Travel and Expense Management; Cash Application; Payroll; Trust Accounting; Cost Recovery; Treasury Management; Cash Management; Time Records; Auditing; Partner Communications regarding Compensation, State Tax deductions, Retirement Plan deductions, and changes in status; and Capital Partner Loans. In addition to providing extensive leadership, mentoring, guidance, and training on best practices for direct reports, provide same to other areas of Finance including: Billing; Collections; Bank and Account Reconciliations; Budgeting and Forecasting; Financial Analysis; annual Retirement Plan contributions; and Partner State Taxes. Collaborate with Administrative Department leaders and Office Managers to create seamless end-to-end processes. Strategize with Firm Management and Finance Heads to set Department goals in line with firm goals, document a plan for achieving those goals, and leverage proper staff to do so in an efficient and effective manner enabling the deployment of staff in more value-added activities.

Essential Functions Include:• Responsible for all Accounts Payable functions firm-wide for 50k+ invoices totaling $75MM+ annually. Lead, direct, and monitor operations, including primary centralized functions as well as activities in local offices.• Responsible for all Travel and Expense Management firm-wide for 15k+ invoices totaling $4MM+ annually. Lead and direct operations to analyze trends and recommend/manage/revise firm-wide travel policy.• Responsible for all Cash Receipts and associated activities firm-wide for 125k+ receipts totaling $220MM+ annually.• Responsible for all Payroll functions firm-wide for 1,000+ staff and attorneys totaling $150MM+ in annual compensation.• Responsible for Client Trust Accounting firm-wide for 2,500+ receipts and 3,900+ disbursements totaling $300MM+ annually, with monthly balances averaging $5MM+. Lead and direct the firm to ensure compliance with Rule 1.15, Safekeeping Property and individual State guidelines. Maintain the integrity of client funds, and protect attorneys and the firm from regulatory action.• Responsible for Cost Recovery firm-wide. Lead and direct activities to achieve maximum revenue with an annual $1.2MM+ average. Evaluate cost types to determine net value. Streamline and automate processes to gain efficiencies.• Responsible for operations related to Treasury Management firm-wide, including new bank account set up, on line systems, proper fraud deterrents, efficiency of daily operations, daily reconciliation, and cash management of disbursements throughout the month. Maintain and develop primary operating account and trust account banking relationships. Assess banking relationships and lead complex bank conversions.• Responsible for Cash Flow Management, ensuring proper borrowing on the line of credit and utilization of investment vehicles for excess cash.• Collaborate closely with Financial Leadership and Firm Management regarding Partnership tax functions to ensure understanding used to develop deduction programs and communications to attorneys.• Responsible for 1.5MM+ Time Records of 500+ attorneys and approximately 15k+ active matters. Recommend, document and implement changes to the Time Entry Policy, communicate with timekeepers regarding policies, and review, report on, and follow up on delinquency. • Restructure the department as necessary through review, assessment, and development of all positions. Mentor, implement performance plans, and replace staff as necessary to maintain an efficient and high-performing department.• Responsible for, lead, and direct activities related to internal audit and the annual external Audit.• Responsible for the Capital Partner Loan process for $5MM+ in total loans, and Partner Communications regarding change in status, compensation, state tax deductions, and retirement plan deductions. Consult with partners to facilitate understanding of these issues and improve their personal cash flow planning.• Responsible for 1099, W9, and Unclaimed Property reporting requirements firm-wide.• Responsible for budgeting certain line items including occupancy costs, legal defense costs, costs recovery, and accounting operations budget.• Provide indirect leadership, mentoring, guidance and training on best practices in other areas of Finance including: Billing; Collections; Bank and Account Reconciliations; Budgeting and Forecasting; and Financial Analysis. • Provide guidance and direction to Office Managers, Administrative leaders, and Attorneys to ensure compliance with financial policies and adherence to best practices.• Plan, develop, organize, implement, direct and evaluate functions within the finance department. Lead change management to improve productivity and achieve department and firm goals.• Responsible for financial analysis of various projects and recommendation to firm management, department heads, and attorneys to initiate and revise financial policies. • Responsible for the oversight, implementation, maintenance and adherence to financial best practices in the financial department, including proper internal controls, segregation of duties, policies, and procedures.• Provide strategic financial input to CFO, Partner-in-Charge, and Executive Managing Director on decision-making issues affecting the financial operations of the organization.• Responsible for, lead and direct the transition of accounting operations functions during mergers, acquisitions, and lateral attorney hiring.

Qualifications and Prior Experience:• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or Finance required. Certified Public Accounting and Master's Degree preferred.• 15+ years of Accounting/Finance experience, 10+ years of which is Managing an Accounting or Finance Department. Experience in law firm management preferred.• Extensive knowledge in all areas of Accounting and Finance including, but not limited to: Accounts Payable; Travel and Expense Management; Cash Application; Payroll; Trust Accounting; Cost Recovery; Treasury Management; Time Records; Auditing; Partner Compensation; Occupancy, Information Technology, and other Leases; Accounts Receivable; Billing; Bank Reconciliations and Account Reconciliations; Budgeting and Forecasting; and financial reporting/analysis.• Working knowledge of best practices in all areas of operational accounting, banking, contract negotiation, internal controls, segregation of duties, financial reporting, auditing, and budgeting.• Proven ability to collaborate across multiple departments and all levels within the firm and build consensus to improve processes and achieve department and firm goals.• Experience applying strategic analytical and problem solving skills to complex accounting issues while considering sound accounting practices and utilization of the financial reporting system which result in optimal resolution.• Experience with successful change management including initiating/documenting new processes and procedures.• Exceptional ability to lead, organize and prioritize multiple competing priorities in a high pressure environment while completing projects in a timely and professional manner.• Outstanding, persuasive, interpersonal communication and writing skills with the ability to interact professionally with clients, vendors, and all levels within the firm.• Experience in, and understanding of, the differences between GAAP and Cash Basis Accounting.• Advanced knowledge of financial systems, banking systems, and Excel.• Understanding of taxation and governmental reporting issues as they relate to areas of responsibility, including advanced knowledge of W9 and 1099 reporting requirements. Communicate with in-house experts in taxation as needed.• Ability to travel to the Firm's other offices.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in this job. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this job classification.

As an EOE/AA employer, Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran or disability status or any other factor prohibited by law.