Controller & HR Manager (Law Firm Experience Required)

Controller & HR Manager (Law Firm Experience Required)
Fegan Scott LLP – National Impact, Client Focused
Fegan Scott LLP, a national law firm dedicated to impact litigation and justice for consumers, survivors, and investors, is seeking a Controller & HR Manager to join our team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional with a background in accounting and human resources to help steward the operations of a firm doing work that matters.
We are seeking a versatile, detail-oriented Controller & HR Manager to oversee our financial operations and human resources management. In this hybrid role, you will be the backbone of our firm’s business operations, splitting your focus between financial health (approx. 60%) and human resources/operations (approx. 40%). As a primarily remote, 15-person law firm, our team is geographically distributed. The ideal candidate possesses deep experience with law firm accounting (including IOLTA compliance) and is highly comfortable managing multi-state HR compliance, payroll, and remote workplace operations.
About the Role:
The Controller will oversee the firm’s financial and regulatory operations and support HR operations, including accounting, budgeting, cash flow, trust accounting, payroll and benefits management, and state regulatory and tax compliance. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This position requires prior experience in a law firm environment.
Responsibilities:
Manage and oversee all day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, trust and operating accounts, payroll, billing, reconciliations
Develop firm budgets and financial forecasts in coordination with firm leadership
Develop case budgets in coordination with firm leadership and case teams
Monitor and manage cash flow, collections, and financial reporting
Ensure compliance with ethical obligations related to multi-state client trust accounts (IOLTA)
Ensure compliance with ethical obligations related to firm retainer agreements
Ensure compliance with state registration and tax authorities in multiple states
Liaise with external accountants, auditors, lenders, and banks
Implement and maintain financial controls and systems to support firm growth
Collaborate with attorneys and staff to ensure timely, accurate financial information and cost-effective operations
Administer payroll and manage multi-state payroll and company benefits (health, 401k) utilizing our GUSTO platform
Coordinate digital onboarding workflows for new attorneys and paralegals, including equipment deployment and software provisioning
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal HR questions, leave tracking, and remote workplace policy enforcement
Assist leadership in organizing virtual team-building initiatives to maintain a connected remote culture
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance
Minimum 3-5 years of accounting or controller experience specifically in a law firm environment
Proven, hands-on experience managing IOLTA accounts and a strong understanding of legal ethics regarding client funds
Strong knowledge of billing software, general ledger systems, and advanced Excel skills are highly valued
Proficiency in QuickBooks a must
Familiarity with Clio, MyCase or other similar legal platforms
Familiarity with GUSTO or other similar payroll and HR platforms, managing benefit programs, and dealing with multi-state employment tracking
Exceptional organizational and communication skills
Integrity, discretion, and a commitment to excellence
Excellent analytical skills and ability to communicate complex financial information clearly
Industry
Law Practice
Employment Type
Full-time
Compensation
$105,000 to $135,000 per year, based on experience
Benefits
Health, Vision, Dental, 401(k) matching, Paid Time Off
Location
The firm’s main office is in the far western suburbs of Chicago. This position may be onsite, hybrid or remote, with occasional travel to the firm’s main office as needed.

Work arrangement
Yes