Accountant Job at State Bar of California in Los Angeles

Overview

State Bar of California is hiring for a CTAPP Accountant in Regulation Division. This position supports the Client Trust Account Protection Program (CTAPP) by conducting compliance reviews and targeted investigative audits of attorney trust accounts to ensure compliance with applicable laws and the Rules of Professional Conduct. The role may involve developing and adapting procedures as the program evolves and may require collaboration with external accountants and licensees.

Base pay range: $92,960.00/yr - $123,943.00/yr. Employment type: Full-time. The position allows for up to four days of remote work per week.

About The Office

The Division of Regulation ensures State Bar licensees comply with obligations imposed by the State Bar Act, the Rules of Court, and the Rules of the State Bar, including annual reporting and registration, licensing fee, CTAPP, and Minimum Continuing Legal Education requirements. The CTAPP helps protect client funds held in trust by California attorneys through detection and deterrence of client trust accounting misconduct. The division also registers law corporations and limited liability partnerships, certifies continuing legal education providers and lawyer referral services, and maintains the official roll of attorneys for the California Supreme Court. The Division focuses on proactive regulation, ethics guidance, education, resources, and programs for licensees, including the Ethics Hotline and Lawyer Assistance Program services.

The State Bar emphasizes its mission to protect the public through licensing, regulation, and discipline of attorneys, and supports ethical and competent practice and access to the legal system.

About The Position

The CTAPP Accountant plays an important role in a regulatory program designed to protect client funds held in trust by California attorneys through detection and deterrence of client trust accounting misconduct. This position involves conducting compliance reviews and complex investigative audits of attorneys' trust accounting practices to ensure compliance with applicable laws, including the Rules of Professional Conduct, while developing and adapting procedures as the program evolves.

Definition

Under general supervision, the CTAPP Accountant performs professional accounting and investigative work, including conducting compliance reviews and targeted investigative audits of attorney trust accounts to confirm licensee compliance with applicable laws, including the Rules of Professional Conduct. Responsibilities include preparing compliance reviews and investigative audit reports, coordinating with external accountants, communicating with licensees, reviewing and recommending outcomes, and other related duties. The CTAPP Accountant may work as an individual contributor or on engagement teams with professional, technical, and support staff.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The CTAPP Accountant focuses on compliance reviews and targeted investigative audits and coordination with external accountants. The CTAPP Senior Accountant handles more complex audits and may review the Accountant’s work.

Examples Of Essential Duties

• Perform sensitive, targeted compliance review procedures and enhanced investigative audits of attorney client trust accounting records.
• Analyze investigative reports and records and prepare findings reports.
• Ensure accuracy of information and effectively communicate findings verbally and in writing.
• Make recommendations for identified violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Review the work of external accountants and ensure procedures are followed in accordance with State Bar policies.
• Consult with senior management to discuss policy and procedure recommendations regarding compliance reviews and investigative audits.
• Use professional judgment and State Bar guidelines to recommend appropriate outcomes, including corrective action plans and referrals for discipline.
• Oversee the complete compliance review process and collaborate with staff.
• Perform other duties consistent with the position as assigned.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of

• GAAP principles
• GAAS principles
• Electronic data processing to audit financial records
• Computer information systems, databases, reporting, and auditing software management, Word and Excel
• Problem identification, analysis, and resolution
• Data analysis and research tools
• Written and verbal presentations
• Public relations/customer service
• Organizational behavior and conflict resolution
• Project planning and implementation
• Introductory knowledge of State Bar office functions and trust account laws

Ability To

• Plan and perform compliance reviews and investigative audits using accounting methodologies to identify violations.
• Collaborate with team members to solve issues
• Use audit management software to organize and execute procedures
• Refine standard procedures and communicate outcomes clearly to licensees
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines
• Adapt to changing environments and priorities

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or accounting required; master’s preferred

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience conducting financial or compliance audits

License, Certificate, And Registration Requirements

• Active CPA license issued by the California Board of Accountancy or equivalent. CPA certification must be maintained.
• Additional designation such as CFE, CFF, or CIA is preferred.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be required to successfully complete the State Bar’s selection process for this classification.

DEI and Values

About The State Bar: Our values are Clarity, Investing in Our People, Excellence, Respect, and Growth Mindset. We are a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees experience fairness, dignity, and respect.

Senioriry level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Accounting/Auditing and Finance

Industries

• Government Administration

Note: This job description includes several references to related job postings and informational pages. It is intended to present the responsibilities, qualifications, and employment terms for the CTAPP Accountant position.