Global Controller

Job Description

At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard-working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us.  Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place.

The Global Controller leads the firm’s worldwide accounting operations and is responsible for the strategic direction, management, and oversight of all accounting, financial reporting, payroll, treasury, accounts payables, collections, and financial controls. This role ensures the integrity of the firm's financial results, compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, and the effectiveness of internal controls across more than 40 offices globally.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Global Controller serves as a key business partner to firm leadership, providing financial insight, driving operational excellence, and leading a geographically dispersed team of accounting professionals. The Global Controller is responsible for developing and implementing accounting policies, optimizing financial processes and systems, supporting strategic initiatives, and fostering a high-performing accounting organization.

The Global Controller also works with lawyers, department heads, outside consultants and other parties.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the accounting function, including general ledger management, accounts payable, collections/accounts receivable, payroll, treasury/cash management, and financial reporting across more than 40 offices globally
• Oversee the preparation and analysis of accurate and timely financial reports, including income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows, ensuring compliance with local statutory and other financial reporting standards in various jurisdictions as well as modified cash basis at the firmwide
• Maintain and ensure the accuracy of accounting records
• Establish, implement, and monitor internal controls and risk management frameworks; conduct periodic assessments and maintain comprehensive control documentation
• Lead international financial compliance initiatives, including regulatory filings in multiple jurisdictions and local statutory audits
• Manage the annual external audit process, serve as primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee audit remediation activities
• Develop and monitor accounting policies, procedures, and best practices across the firm; drive continuous process improvements and system optimization
• Lead a team of more than 40 accounting professionals, including staff in multiple countries; provide mentorship, performance management, and career development, including evaluations and salary recommendations
• Partner with CFO, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, and others on financial planning, financial analysis, and forecasting; provide insights on financial performance and business drivers
• Drive technology modernization, including financial reporting, billing and collections system enhancements, data analytics capabilities, and accounting automation initiatives
• Lead and/or participate in discussions with partners, office managers, and department heads/managers
• Evaluate accounting-related activities; respond to day-to-day concerns; resolve existing or anticipated problems; research and respond to non-recurring questions; prepare appropriate reports; and help ensure the firm adheres to all requirements relating to accounting and financial reporting
• Ensure the accounting department coordinates with and provides support regarding financial matters to other organizations in the firm, including, but not limited to, the firm’s benefits department, human resources, technology, and marketing & business development
• Ensure all accounts, including trust accounts, are properly reconciled and managed with strict internal controls
• Ensure professional development and career guidance are available to direct reports and their teams.
• Complete special projects as needed

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting; CPA required (or equivalent professional qualification)
• 10+ years of progressive accounting and financial management experience, with at least 5 years in a controller or senior equivalent role; at least 5 years of experience as a manager with responsibilities for leading and supervising accounting and finance personnel
• Experience in professional services, law firm, or other partnership environment desired
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-entity, multi-currency accounting operations in a global or international environment
• Strong technical knowledge of GAAP and multi-jurisdictional financial compliance, internal controls, and external audit processes
• Proficiency with enterprise Accounting and Billing & Collections systems (3E or Aderant). Other system knowledge a plus (Oracle, SAP, or similar)
• Proven leadership capabilities, including experience building, developing, and managing high-performing accounting teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex financial concepts for diverse audiences
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy

Competencies & Attributes

• Strategic Mindset: Ability to align accounting operations with firm strategy and business objectives
• Leadership Excellence: Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and drive accountability across teams
• Change Management: Comfort driving process improvements, system implementations, and organizational change
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing priorities
• Integrity & Compliance Mindset: Unwavering commitment to accuracy, transparency, and ethical practices
• Stakeholder Management: Strong relationship-building skills with board, senior leadership, and external partners
• Accustomed to working as a team leader and member
• Possess excellent interpersonal, supervisory and management accomplishments
• Demonstrate outstanding skills in accounting, reporting, internal control, budgeting, and computerized accounting systems
• Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills; and demonstrated ability to meet obligations with confidentiality, integrity, and sensitivity

Working Conditions

• Typical professional office environment
• Any information contained on this form represents the usual method of accomplishing the duties assigned to this job. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in appropriate circumstances which may vary depending on the needs of an individual with a disability, it is impossible to describe in advance specific accommodations that will be considered.

Note: Nothing in this job description restricts the firm’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Information provided represents the usual method of accomplishing the duties in this job.  Reasonable accommodations will be considered in appropriate circumstances.

Compensation Salary  $200,946 - $401,888/year

The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

ABOUT THE FIRM

K&L Gates is a fully integrated global law firm with lawyers located in more than 40 offices. We have experienced dramatic growth in the past decade and now rank among the largest U.S. based law firms in the world.  We take pride in constantly striving for innovation, imagination and an entrepreneurial spirit. We come up with big ideas and then roll up our sleeves to get the job done, guiding our clients through their most complex issues in a variety of industry sectors and across multiple regions of the world. 

The industry recognition the firm has garnered emanates from the foundation of a global community aligned on behalf of our clients. The people at K&L Gates are committed to working together to create a legacy for each other, the firm, our clients, and the communities in which we serve. We thrive in an inclusive and socially conscious environment that embraces diversity and takes a holistic approach to the career evolution of all our professionals.

For more information or to view other job opportunities, please click here to go back to our careers page.

Notice: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.

Please be advised that this position requires successful completion of a background check.  In accordance with the Washington State Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the California Fair Chance Act, and applicable law qualified California and Washington State applicants with criminal history records will be considered. A criminal history will not categorically exclude a candidate from employment, and the Firm will consider relevant factors before making employment decisions based on criminal history information.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

BENEFITS

K&L Gates offers our personnel a comprehensive suite of benefits to help meet your needs now and in the future. Depending on your eligibility, options for full-time personnel include:

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Firm is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Firm that employment decisions shall be based on merit, qualifications and competence. Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by virtue of a person’s race (including traits associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as afros, braids, locks, and twists), religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, gender, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, familial status, domestic violence victim status, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment including, without limitation, recruiting, hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, assignment, and dismissal. In addition, it is the Firm’s policy to provide an environment that is free of prohibited harassment of any kind including, without limitation, that which is based on sex, race, age, disability, ethnic background, or any other category protected by law (including the categories listed above). The Firm complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact askHR@klgates.com.