Director of Accounting
Washington, DC
Posted
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.