Controller

About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns. 

Position Overview 

CRA’s Financial Administration Department is currently a team of over thirty-five professionals based in our Boston, Chicago, and London offices. The team includes Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Billing, Financial Reporting, Payroll, Revenue, Tax, and Internal Controls.

The Director –Controller will play a pivotal role in ensuring the financial health and operational efficiency of CRA, directly impacting our global growth and success. This role provides an opportunity to join a team that values collaboration, innovation, and excellence. The Controller is a leadership position within the Financial Administration team that will be responsible for leading the day-to-day accounting operations of the group. This position offers significant opportunities for career growth and professional development within a dynamic and supportive environment. This individual will lead and inspire the team in key operational areas, including Accounts Payable, Global Payroll Processing, Billings/Collections, and Revenue Accounting. They will also be responsible for reviewing of journal entries and account reconciliations, contributing to a timely month-end close, performing various internal controls over financial reporting, and assisting with interpreting and operationalizing of new technical accounting pronouncements.  Typical responsibilities include:

• Oversee operations of Financial Administration group, including Accounts Payable, Global Payroll Processing, Billings/Collections, and Revenue Accounting including setting goals and objectives, and designing a framework to meet these objectives.
• Supervise and help manage the career path of our North American-based accounting team (Accounts Payable, Payroll Processing, Billings/Collections, Revenue Accounting).
• Analyze actual performance compared to prior-period data as well as budget and provide insights to the Chief Accounting Officer.
• Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.
• Develop and document business processes and accounting policies to maintain and strengthen internal controls.
• Review journal entries and certify monthly account reconciliations.
• Perform monthly SOX controls.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key members of the administrative and research staff, including practice leadership.
• Coordinate with other departments and countries to solve complex operational and technical issues.
• Liaise with external auditors and regulatory authorities to ensure compliance and accurate financial reporting.
• Provide input to decisions that affect the functional areas of responsibility.
• Ad hoc technical accounting tasks/memos.
  

Desired Qualifications 

• CPA required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience (must have public accounting experience)
• Proven work experience as a Controller or similar senior financial management role overseeing the revenue, payroll processing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Ability to manage and mentor a team effectively.
• Experience reviewing and redesigning operational processes.
• The ability to multi-task and collaborate with other departments.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical and communication skills
• Experience implementing new software solutions a plus.
• Professional services experience preferred but not required.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, we require the following:

• Resume – please include current contact information (personal email and telephone number);

Learning and Benefits 

• CRA’s robust skills development programs, including a commitment to offering training annually through formal and informal programs, encouraging you to thrive as an individual and team member. Training consists of technical training, presentation skills, internal seminars, and career mentoring and performance coaching from an assigned senior colleague. Additional leadership and collaboration opportunities exist through internal firm development activities.
• We offer a comprehensive total rewards program including a superior benefits package, wellness programming to support physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being, and in-house immigration support for foreign nationals and international business travelers.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 days a week working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team. At certain times of the year (e.g. holiday periods), additional remote work options are offered to those whose work commitments permit it, although our offices remain open for those who choose or need to be there.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.