Financial Controller

Sweet James Accident Attorneys is a rapidly growing, AI-powered personal injury firm based in Orange County, CA. In less than a decade, we've built a nationally recognized brand and a proprietary AI and automation stack that make us one of the largest and most efficient providers of legal services in the country. Our growth runs on a culture of excellence, compassion, and results: Our team is committed to exceptional client experience and to supporting one another in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. We invest in our people, encourage professional growth, and provide meaningful opportunities to build rewarding careers while making a real impact in our clients' lives.

Pay Scale: $175,000–$200,000 per year (base pay)

Additional compensation: In addition to base pay, outstanding performance may be recognized with a discretionary bonus, awarded at the firm's discretion.

Work arrangement: On-site

Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Role

The Financial Controller will hold a pivotal leadership position within Finance & Accounting Department, overseeing Financial Accounting functions. Reporting directly to the CFO, this role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and regulatory compliance of all financial records and partners with the Trust Accounting team to ensure the firm's critical client trust accounts are in accordance with State Bar trust accounting requirements.

This position will manage a growing accounting team, coordinate financial reporting, actual vs. budget and vs forecast variance analysis, cash flow reporting and forecasting, and implement effective internal controls while ensuring the highest ethical and professional standards are met in handling firm finances.

Responsibilities

Financial Accounting & Reporting

• Prepare timely (within 7 business days), accurate, and insightful financial statements and operational reports for internal management, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies.
• Prepare Consolidated and Consolidating Financial Statements by Entity and by Market.
• Provide support to develop annual budgets, quarterly forecasts, and cash flow projections to support firm growth and financial health.
• Work with the CFO on developing and maintaining adequate internal control policies.
• Prepare journal entries for accruals, prepaids, fixed assets, depreciation, and payroll, and complete assigned balance sheet reconciliations by close deadlines. Reconcile operating, payroll, and credit card accounts, and investigate and clear reconciling items. Manage daily cash reconciliations and other financial operations.
• Track case cost advances and reconcile them against the case management system in partnership with Trust AP Team.
• Ensure the revenue recognition process and policy is accurately followed / reconciled between G/L book and CRM. Account for referral and co-counsel fee arrangements in coordination with the attorneys and operations teams.
• Ensure compliance with GAAP, federal and state tax laws, and internal financial policies.
• Keep track of loan covenants compliance and contractual agreements (Leases, SW, etc.).
• Be the point of contact for financial audits, tax filings, and periodic regulatory reviews and corporate HQ reporting.
• Design, implement, and maintain effective internal controls and accounting procedures to safeguard firm assets and financial data integrity.
• Manage biweekly payroll processing by partnering with HR.
• ERP maintenance and data integrity (NETSUITE). Be the team's NetSuite expert.
• Run reconciliations, tie-outs, variance reviews and close checklists with AI tools (Claude).
• Drive efficiencies by building repeatable AI and NetSuite workflows that retire manual steps.

Financial Operations Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the accounting and finance team, providing leadership, training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Collaborate with firm leadership, case management, and operations teams to streamline financial workflows, improve settlement processes, and enhance financial reporting.
• Evaluate and implement financial systems, internal controls and accounting technologies to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Develop and enforce financial and operational policies and procedures to support business growth and legal industry best practices.
• Support CFO and Exec Team with FP&A and adhoc projects.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Minimum 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including financial statement preparation.
• Minimum of 3 years of accounting leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of GAAP accounting, Tech savvy (use of AI in daily operations).
• Proficiency in financial systems (e.g. NETSUITE) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and written/verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• CPA license (active or inactive).
• Accounting leadership experience within a law firm, personal injury firm, or contingency-based business model.

Benefits

• Benefits package: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• FSA or HSA option, depending on the selected medical plan
• 401(k) with 2% match after 90 days
• Paid time off (PTO) policy and paid holidays
• Ongoing mentorship, leadership support, and professional development and career advancement opportunities

At Sweet James, we don't just offer jobs - we build careers. If you're ready to join a firm that values excellence with an unwavering passion for life changing results, we'd love to hear from you.

Sweet James is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of every background and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act and applicable local law.

Stay safe: We will never ask for payment or banking information during the hiring process.

Questions? Contact careers@sweetjames.com