Controller POST NUMBER: 449277
Job Title: Controller
Location: Irvine, California (Fully onsite)
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
? Position Overview
A high-performing, contingency-based personal injury law firm in Irvine is seeking an experienced Controller to lead its finance and accounting operations. This key leadership role oversees both Trust Accounting and Financial Accounting, ensuring financial accuracy, operational efficiency, and full compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Reporting directly to the CFO, the Controller will be responsible for managing a growing accounting team, overseeing internal controls, coordinating financial reporting, cash flow forecasting, and maintaining compliance with State Bar trust accounting rules and GAAP standards.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Accounting & Reporting – 40%
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Oversee daily financial operations, including AP, AR, payroll, general ledger, and month-end close processes.
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Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and operational reports (within 7 business days).
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Collaborate with the CFO on budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow projections to support firm growth.
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Ensure compliance with GAAP, state/federal tax laws, and internal financial policies.
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Manage audits, tax filings, and regulatory reviews in coordination with external partners.
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Maintain and improve internal controls to protect assets and ensure data integrity.
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Coordinate with third-party CPA firms for timely and accurate tax filings.
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Partner with HR to manage biweekly payroll.
Trust Accounting & Settlement Management – 50%
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Manage all client trust accounts in full compliance with State Bar trust accounting requirements.
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Oversee timely and compliant settlement fund disbursements, including liens, client refunds, and third-party payments.
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Monitor trust account balances to avoid co-mingling or overdrafts.
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Lead monthly trust reconciliations; identify and resolve discrepancies proactively.
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Work closely with attorneys, case managers, and settlement coordinators on financial disbursements.
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Maintain audit-ready trust ledgers and detailed transaction documentation for each client matter.
Financial Operations Leadership – 10%
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Supervise and mentor accounting staff; provide leadership, training, and performance guidance.
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Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, operations, and case management teams to optimize workflows.
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Evaluate, select, and implement financial systems and internal controls to improve accuracy and efficiency.
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Develop financial policies and procedures aligned with legal industry best practices.
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Assist CFO in preparing KPI dashboards, FP&A functions, and various strategic projects.
Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA license (active or inactive) strong plus.
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12 years of progressive accounting experience, including financial reporting and trust accounting.
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Minimum 3 years of leadership experience within a law firm or similar contingency-based business model.
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Deep understanding of legal trust accounting regulations and financial compliance standards.
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Proven experience managing client trust accounts, settlements, and disbursements.
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Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., QuickBooks), with advanced Excel skills.
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Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills.
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Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a collaborative leadership style.
Compensation & Benefits
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Base salary: $175k - $225K/year (DOE)
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Discretionary annual performance bonus
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Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
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401(k) with employer match
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Generous paid time off and holidays
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Professional development and leadership training opportunities
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Supportive, mission-driven company culture
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.
Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.
EEO Notice
Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .
Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal.
By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.
Privacy Notice
Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.
- California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here.
- Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here.
- Residents of all other states may access our policies here.
- Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here.
- Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here.
Pay Transparency Notice
Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:
- the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
- licensure and certification requirements;
- office location and other geographic considerations;
- other business and organizational needs.
With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.