Director of Finance
Cox, Castle & Nicholson
Ayako Hagihara oversees Cox, Castle & Nicholson’s accounting and finance functions. That includes billing, payroll for partners and staff, accounts payable, retirement plan administration, tax compliance, management reporting and treasury management. She also supports the chief financial officer to ensure critical deadlines and financial goals are met. She successfully led the firm’s accounting system conversion four years ago, completing the complex project without disrupting operations, and has implemented process improvements that streamline billing and reimbursements. The breadth of responsibilities Hagihara manages behind the scenes, and her commitment to building a strong team where staff feel productive and valued, make her an essential part of the organization.
Words To Describe Them: Detail-oriented, empathetic, consistent, diligent, dependable, collaborative
From the Indispensable: “What drives me is helping others focus on what they do best. I want lawyers to be able to serve clients effectively and staff members to grow in their careers without worrying about their paycheck arriving on time, whether bills are paid, or retirement contributions are sent. By managing these important operational and financial responsibilities, I can provide stability and support so others can focus on their day-to-day work with confidence.”
