District Partners is partnering with a prominent national law firm to identify a Director of Accounting. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious accounting professional who has built a strong foundation within a large law firm and is ready to take the next step into a broader leadership role.
Our client is seeking someone who can do more than manage the day-to-day accounting function. They want a forward-thinking leader who can develop a talented team, improve processes, leverage technology, and help shape the future of the firm's accounting operations.
This opportunity is particularly well-suited for a strong Senior Accounting Manager or Assistant Controller who is ready for greater ownership, visibility, and influence within a sophisticated professional services environment.
What You'll Be Owning:
- Lead the firm's core accounting operations, including the general ledger, financial close, financial reporting, reconciliations, and internal controls
- Manage and develop an established accounting team, building on existing strengths while identifying opportunities for improvement
- Partner with senior Finance leadership on accounting strategy, operational priorities, and firmwide initiatives
- Drive process improvements, automation, and more effective utilization of financial systems to create a more efficient and scalable accounting function
- Oversee cash management, banking activities, and treasury-related processes
- Coordinate accounting and reporting across multiple offices and entities
- Support financial systems enhancements, accounting policy development, and initiatives to strengthen the firm's control environment
- Provide oversight of trust accounting, compliance, and other accounting activities specific to the legal industry
What You'll Bring to the Table:
- Accounting leadership experience within an AmLaw 150 law firm is strongly preferred. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of the financial operations and accounting complexities of a large law firm
- Current or recent experience as a Senior Accounting Manager, Assistant Controller, Accounting Director, or similar accounting leadership role
- Strong technical accounting fundamentals and hands-on experience overseeing general ledger operations, financial reporting, and the month-end close
- Demonstrated success managing and developing accounting professionals
- Experience improving accounting processes, implementing controls, or optimizing financial systems
- Familiarity with law firm financial systems such as Elite 3E, Aderant, or comparable platforms
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with senior leadership and stakeholders across the organization
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset and an interest in taking on broader leadership responsibilities
- Based in the Washington, DC area or willing to travel to DC approximately once per month for in-person meetings and collaboration
Why Consider This Opportunity?:
- A meaningful career move: Take the next step from Senior Manager or Assistant Controller into a leadership role with broader responsibility for a major law firm's accounting operations
- Geographic flexibility: Candidates do not need to relocate to Washington, DC. The firm is open to qualified professionals based elsewhere who can travel to DC approximately once per month
- Visibility and influence: Work closely with senior Finance leadership and have a meaningful voice in how the accounting function operates and evolves
- Opportunity to make an impact: Help modernize accounting processes, improve efficiency, and leverage technology to strengthen financial operations
- People leadership: Build on your existing management experience while taking greater ownership of team development, operational performance, and strategic initiatives
- Long-term growth: Join an established, highly regarded law firm where you can continue developing your leadership capabilities and expanding your responsibilities
If you've built your career in the accounting department of a major law firm and are ready for a new challenge, we'd welcome a confidential conversation
Location: Washington, DC, or remote with willingness to travel to Washington, DC approximately once per month.