Controller

About Us: Wettermark Keith is a leading personal injury law firm headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with a strong reputation for integrity, compassion, and excellence in client advocacy. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Controller to lead our accounting and financial operations. 

Position Summary: The Controller will oversee all financial and accounting functions of the firm, ensuring accurate financial reporting, cash management, compliance with cash-basis accounting, and effective coordination between case operations and finance. The ideal candidate has prior experience in a professional services or law firm environment, understands trust and settlement accounting, and thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented setting.

This role is full-time, in-person at our Birmingham office and offers a competitive salary, discretionary bonus, and comprehensive benefits.

Key Responsibilities: 

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, bank reconciliations, cash flow management, and financial statement preparation.
• Manage monthly and annual close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Partner with leadership to forecast cash flows and capital needs.
• Oversee settlement disbursement reconciliations and ensure compliance with IOLTA/trust account requirements.

Operational Oversight

• Supervise accounting staff and ensure proper segregation of duties and internal controls.
• Manage the firm’s accounts payable, expense reimbursement, and corporate card programs.
• Support case-cost management, tracking advances and reimbursements related to litigation and settlements.
• Coordinate with external CPAs, auditors, and tax advisors to ensure compliance with tax and reporting obligations.
• Oversee banking relationships, credit facilities, and firm insurance policies.

Process Improvement & Strategic Support

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve accounting efficiency and internal controls.
• Partner with firm leadership to provide strategic financial insight, budget analysis, and key performance metrics.
• Support technology initiatives to automate financial processes and reporting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Active CPA license preferred.
• Minimum 5–8 years of progressive accounting experience, ideally in a law firm or other professional services organization.
• Strong understanding of cash-basis accounting, trust/IOLTA management, and settlement-related accounting.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage, mentor, and develop accounting team members.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• High attention to detail, integrity, and the ability to handle confidential information.

Highlighted Benefits: 

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Annual discretionary bonus.
• Comprehensive benefits package.