Controller

About The Firm

Our client is a well-established mid-size law firm in Vaughan with a strong reputation and an expanding practice. The firm is known for its collaborative culture, supportive leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Position Overview

The firm is seeking an experienced, hands-on Controller to lead their financial and accounting operations. Reporting directly to firm leadership, this role is responsible for overseeing the firm’s complete financial health, ensuring Law Society of Ontario (LSO) compliance, and providing strategic financial analysis to support continued growth. The ideal candidate will be a proactive finance leader who excels at month-end closures, year-end audits, advanced Excel analysis, and managing trust and general accounting in a fast-paced professional services environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Oversight & Leadership: Direct and oversee all daily accounting and financial operations, ensuring robust internal controls and alignment with firm goals. Month-End & Year-End Management: Lead and approve complete month-end financial packages and manage year-end audit/review preparations with external accounting firms. LSO Trust Compliance: Maintain complete oversight of trust and general accounting practices, guaranteeing 100% compliance with Law Society of Ontario (LSO) rules and reporting standards. Financial Analysis & Advanced Excel: Utilize advanced Excel capabilities (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, financial modeling) to perform cash flow forecasting, variance analysis, and key operational metrics for partners. Billing, AP/AR, & Payroll: Supervise and optimize the full-cycle legal billing, accounts payable, collections, and payroll functions to maximize firm profitability and cash flow. Strategic Advisory: Serve as a key financial advisor to firm leadership, offering data-driven insights to streamline operations, manage budgets, and guide growth strategies.

Core Competencies

Strategic Financial Leadership: Proven ability to manage overall firm finances while remaining hands-on with operational details and reporting. Technical Precision: Mastery of month-end closures, year-end execution, and advanced Excel data analysis for executive decision-making. Rigorous Risk & Compliance Management: Uncompromising commitment to LSO trust accounting guidelines and financial integrity. Collaborative Communication: Ability to articulate complex financial insights clearly to partners, lawyers, and administrative staff.

Qualifications

Minimum of 5–7+ years of progressive accounting experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business; CPA designation (or equivalent senior experience) is considered a strong asset Proven track record leading year-end audit preparations and regularly approving month-end packages Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel (expert in VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and financial modelling)

Compensation

Salary range: $105,000 – $120,000 base salary, commensurate with experience

Comprehensive Benefits Plan Performance-based bonus structure

Why This Opportunity

Lead the Finance Function: High-impact leadership role taking ownership of accounting for a rapidly expanding, reputable law firm. Strategic Influence: Work directly alongside firm partners and executive leadership as a key contributor to business strategy. Supportive Environment: Join a collegial, collaborative team that values innovation, professional excellence, and work-life balance.