Chief Financial Officer

Carney Badley Spellman • Full-time • Seattle, WA, US • 2d ago

Carney Badley Spellman, PS, is seeking a Chief Operating & Financial Officer (COO/CFO) with 15+ years of experience.

The COO/CFO is the firm’s senior non-legal executive, responsible for overseeing financial management, operational execution, and strategic implementation. Reporting directly to the Managing Shareholder and Board of Directors, this role integrates financial stewardship with day-to-day firm operations to ensure profitability, efficiency, compliance, and long-term sustainability.

The COO/CFO serves as a trusted advisor to firm leadership, translating shareholder strategy into disciplined execution while bringing structure, transparency, and accountability to firm operations.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership (CFO Functions)

Provide advice and counsel on interpretation of operating results and trends, and proactively identify, recommend, and initiate improvements or counter measures where required
Develop a thorough understanding of the firm’s practice areas and clients
Monitor and report on firm financial performance, utilizing appropriate metrics and thoughtful analysis
Oversee cash flow management, capital planning, and banking relationships
Manage financial reporting and ensure accuracy, transparency, and timeliness for shareholders and the Board
Lead and oversee the firm’s annual budget, forecasts, and long-term financial plans
Design and maintain financial controls, policies, and risk management practices
Oversee the firm’s retirement plan administration, including maintaining relationships with the 401(k) and cash balance plan providers and consultants
Support shareholder compensation modeling
Provide financial analysis to support strategic initiatives and investments

Operational Leadership (COO Functions)

Oversee all of the firm’s business operations, ensuring operational alignment with firm strategy, culture, and growth objectives
Lead operational planning and execution across practice groups
Identify and implement process improvements
Oversee vendor relationships and contract negotiations
Ensure compliance with applicable legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements affecting law firm operations

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

Act as a strategic partner to the Managing Shareholder and Board on firm direction and priorities
Partner with the HR Director regarding attorney recruiting
Translate leadership decisions into executable operational and financial plans
Support firm governance processes
Lead, mentor, and develop administrative and finance leadership teams
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field (MBA, CPA, or CFA preferred)
15+ years of progressive leadership experience within a law firm or other professional services firm (legal strongly preferred)
Demonstrated expertise in:
Financial management and reporting, including technology applications and other tools utilized by law firms (or professional services firms)
Strong presentation expertise combined with the ability to communicate
Shareholder/Partner compensation systems
Professional services firm economics and metrics (realization, leverage, utilization)
Proven experience managing multi-department operations, with a track record of establishing and/or reengineering operational practices
Rebuilding teams as required to meet changing organizational needs
Strong understanding of law firm (or other professional services firm) governance and partner-driven decision-making
Superb interpersonal skills, including excellent listening skills, combined with the ability to work effectively in a consensus-driven professional services partnership structure

Compensation - Base: $225,000 - $350,000, with opportunity to earn a meaningful bonus tied to individual and company performance

The base salary for this position will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, and market factors.

Please forward your cover letter and resume to turner@carneylaw.com.