Job Description

Fractional Chief Financial Officer (Project-Based)

Department: Accounting

Employment Type: Contract

Location: California

Compensation: $5,000 - $15,000 / month

We are a high-performing, fast-growing personal injury law firm located in the heart of Newport Beach, dedicated to fighting for justice on behalf of injured clients. Our firm is known for exceptional results, a client-centered approach, and a strong culture of professionalism and accountability.

We are seeking an experienced Fractional CFO to provide strategic financial leadership and project-based support for a growing personal injury law firm in California. This role is ideal for a finance executive with deep expertise in legal industry accounting, contingency fee structures, and trust accounting compliance.

The Fractional CFO will partner closely with firm leadership to optimize financial performance, improve cash flow management, and implement scalable financial systems.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide high-level financial strategy aligned with firm growth goals
• Advise partners on profitability, expansion planning, and capital allocation
• Develop financial models for case pipeline forecasting and revenue timing

Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)

• Build and maintain budgets, forecasts, and KPI dashboards
• Analyze case costs, settlement timelines, and fee realization rates
• Deliver actionable insights on profitability by case type, attorney, and referral source

Cash Flow & Contingency Fee Management

• Manage and forecast irregular cash flows tied to settlements and verdicts
• Optimize working capital and liquidity planning
• Advise on funding strategies (e.g., lines of credit, litigation financing)

Trust Accounting & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with California Bar trust accounting (IOLTA) requirements
• Oversee proper handling of client funds, settlements, and disbursements
• Coordinate with external auditors and legal compliance advisors

Financial Systems & Process Improvement

• Evaluate and improve accounting systems, reporting tools, and workflows
• Implement best practices for case cost tracking and financial reporting
• Integrate practice management and accounting platforms

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required; CPA or MBA strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in a personal injury law firm setting, with working knowledge of marketing costs, operational expenditures, and revenue models specific to the industry is preferred.
• Proven experience in data-driven performance analysis, including tracking and interpreting costs vs. returns across departments and individual staff in personal injury casework.
• Strong knowledge of legal accounting, trust/IOLTA compliance, and case-based financial modeling.
• Proficient in legal practice management and accounting software (e.g., Clio, QuickBooks, NetDocuments).
• Excellent analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactical plans.

Benefits:

Contract or part-time employees do not receive Firm benefits.