Controller

DOAR is a premier legal consulting firm that supports attorneys in high-stakes, high-profile civil and criminal matters. We conduct pre-trial research, including focus groups and mock trials; advise our clients on the development of trial themes and visual presentation strategies; create and test compelling presentations using cutting-edge audio/visual technologies to support legal arguments; and support trial lawyers in the courtroom by providing evidence management and presentation.  We also provide testifying experts from academia, industry, and government who support legal teams in cases involving emerging technologies.

The controller role is ideal for an experienced finance professional who brings strong technical accounting judgment, a process-improvement mindset, and the ability to translate financial information into actionable insight for firm leadership. The ideal candidate has deep experience in professional services or consulting environments, with a strong understanding of project-based accounting, revenue recognition, and the operational rhythms of a fast-moving firm.

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Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Stewardship

  • Execute end-to-end accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, semi-monthly payroll, and the month-end and year-end close.
  • Manage and process payroll in coordination with the payroll provider, ensuring timely and accurate payroll execution, proper accounting treatment, and compliance with applicable payroll, tax, and reporting requirements.
  • Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements and ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with GAAP.
  • Plan and prepare monthly invoices for the Trial Consulting division and ensure billing accuracy across project-based work.
  • Ensure proper revenue recognition aligned with engagement structure and applicable accounting standards.
  • Develop and maintain internal control policies and procedures and ensure compliance with tax regulations, audits, and financial reporting requirements.
  • Coordinate with external auditors, tax advisors, and banking partners and oversee treasury, cash flow, and working-capital management.

Firm Development & Strategic Contribution

  • Advance the Finance function’s strategy in support of firm goals and identify opportunities to improve processes, controls, systems, and reporting that strengthen firm effectiveness and scale.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing financial forecasting, providing variance analysis, financial modeling, and actionable insights that support strategic planning.
  • Partner with practice and functional leaders to anticipate financial needs, shape initiatives, and measure outcomes through the lens of business performance.
  • Ensure Finance contributes meaningfully to firm growth, profitability, and decision quality rather than operating only as a service provider.

Team Contribution & Collaboration

  • Create clarity for the broader firm on financial processes, deadlines, and reporting expectations.
  • Lead by example, modeling discipline, accuracy, and professional judgment that elevates standards across the team.
What Success Looks Like
  • Financial information is accurate, timely, and trusted by firm leadership.
  • Project-based accounting, revenue recognition, and billing run reliably and produce clear visibility into profitability, utilization, and margin.
  • Internal controls and audit readiness are consistently strong.
  • The Finance function is recognized as a strategic partner that improves how DOAR operates, scales, and makes decisions.
  • Cross-functional partners experience Finance as responsive, organized, and clear.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field; CPA a plus.
  • 7+ years of progressive accounting experience, preferably in a consulting, legal, or other professional services firm.
  • Strong knowledge of project-based accounting.
  • Experience with accounting and ERP systems (BQE CORE a plus) and familiarity with time-tracking and billing systems.
  • Experience processing payroll with a payroll provider/PEO.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial modeling.
  • Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate financial information for non-finance audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Strategic mindset paired with hands-on execution capability and high attention to detail.
  • Prior experience supporting high-growth professional services organizations preferred.
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