Carney Badley Spellman is a leading law firm in Seattle Washington, listed in the Top 100 Best Places to Work in Washington state. We continuously search for highly skilled attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and administrative staff to provide the highest level of service to our clients, are effective contributors and mentors to others within our firm and to our local communities.

We value and foster an environment that encompasses a culture of diversity, collegiality, respect, and professional growth. Our employees come from diverse backgrounds and educations. We understand our employees are our greatest assets and essential to achieving the goals of our firm.

Benefits

Medical: We pay 100% of the premium for our employees and 50% for dependents. Our employees have two health plans to choose from, each associated with a Health Care Savings Account. Preventative care is paid at 100%.

Paid Family Leave: Paid Family Leave is a benefit that allows our employees to receive compensation when taking care of themselves or a family member for a serious illness, welcomed newborn, adoption, and much more.

Dental: We pay 100% of the premium for our employees and 50% for dependents. Preventative care is paid at 100% and does not apply toward maximum benefits.

Life/Disability: We pay 100% of the premium for our employees. The package also includes Travel Assistance Resources and an Employee Assistance Program.

Continuing Education: Carney is dedicated to providing a learning environment for its employees. We offer continual in-house, online and outside trainings (technical and professional education) so each may advance their growth and career.

Employee Assistance Program: We offer a confidential program with resources to assist employees addressing a wide range of work and personal matters important to them. Finding solutions promote the health, safety and well-being of our employees.

Retirement: Carney understands financial security in retirement years is important and it takes planning and commitment to build your nest egg. Our retirement savings plan is an essential part. Carney offers a profit sharing plan contributing to your future. In addition, there is a 401k that allows you to contribute the maximum amount allowed. Together you can grow your future savings.

Transportation: Carney offers a monthly subsidy to all employees to be used for their choice of transportation - metro system, ferry, train, taxi, Uber, auto parking, bike parking, etc.

Referral Programs: Our employees are the face of Carney and often know through their networking who would be great quality additions to the Carney family. We offer a bonus program to encourage our employees to refer these candidates.

Position Overview

We are 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.

This role represents a planned leadership transition following the upcoming retirement of our current CFO, who has made significant contributions to the firm's financial strength and operational discipline. We are seeking a seasoned leader to carry that work forward and partner with firm leadership as we continue to grow.

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.

Benefits

We offer a dynamic work environment and a comprehensive range of excellent benefits, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision
• Health Savings Account
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Profit-sharing program
• Parking
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Paid parental leave

How to Apply

Please forward cover letter and resume to (see below)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Our firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, military service obligations, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants with disabilities may contact CBS Human Resources by telephone, e-mail, mail, or other means to request and arrange for accommodations. If you need assistance with a disability, you may request accommodation at any time. Please contact Human Resources at 206-622-8020.

Recruiters and agencies: We are not seeking external staffing support at this time.