How To MANAGE a Small Law Firm
Job Summary:
The Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for assigned clients, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and timely monthly financial reporting. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to meet firm deadlines, and clear, professional communication with clients and internal advisors.
In addition to day-to-day bookkeeping, Staff Accountants regularly interact with clients to request missing documentation, explain financial reports and trust reconciliations, and communicate key observations for further review by fractional CFOs, Controllers, or Legal Management Advisors. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
This is a fully remote position. However, candidates must reside in one of the following states : AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA, or WA.
Responsibilities
Auditing coding, payroll entries, and reconciliations prepared by the back-office team to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies
Performing designated mid-month and end-of-month procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures
Closing the books and delivering complete monthly reporting packages by the 8th business day of the following month
Addressing Quality Control review notes by resolving issues and documenting outcomes in the designated system
Reviewing newly onboarded client accounts, documenting details in the Client Info Sheet (CIS), and setting up QuickBooks Online files, including beginning balances and payroll liabilities
Preparing monthly three-way trust reconciliations, documenting variances, and following up persistently with clients to ensure timely resolution
Serving as the primary point of contact for clients regarding missing documentation and questions about financial reports and trust reconciliations
Clearly communicating key observations that should be reviewed with a fractional CFO, Controller, or Legal Management Advisor, without providing independent financial advice
Drafting clear, professional written communications for clients, advisors, and internal documentation
Participating in client or advisor calls as needed to explain bookkeeping items or request information
Escalating issues proactively before they become larger problems
Supporting financial analysis by preparing reports or answering questions for HTM Controllers and Advisors
Assisting with training new technical staff through shadowing, answering questions, and providing feedback
Recording daily time by client in the applicable system
Completing year-end close activities and post year-end tax adjusting entries
Obtaining QuickBooks certification and attending all required internal trainings
Maintaining confidentiality of all client information
Performing additional duties as assigned
Required Skills and Abilities
Strong understanding of general accounting principles, particularly payroll journal entries
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and strong problem-solving skills
Proficiency with accounting software and spreadsheets; QuickBooks Online experience strongly preferred
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with tight deadlines
Experience with escrow or trust accounting for law firms is a strong plus
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Confidence interacting directly with clients and explaining bookkeeping matters clearly via Zoom, phone, or written communication
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
Minimum of one year of related accounting or financial control experience, or significant advanced bookkeeping experience
IOLTA or trust accounting and reconciliation experience is a plus
Additional Details
Occasional travel may be required for quarterly conferences
Standard office hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, approximately 45 hours per week
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The Staff Accountant is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records for assigned clients, including account reconciliations, journal entries, and timely monthly financial reporting. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to meet firm deadlines, and clear, professional communication with clients and internal advisors.
In addition to day-to-day bookkeeping, Staff Accountants regularly interact with clients to request missing documentation, explain financial reports and trust reconciliations, and communicate key observations for further review by fractional CFOs, Controllers, or Legal Management Advisors. The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, client-facing environment.
This is a fully remote position. However, candidates must reside in one of the following states : AZ, CO, FL, GA, IL, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TX, VA, or WA.
Responsibilities
Auditing coding, payroll entries, and reconciliations prepared by the back-office team to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies
Performing designated mid-month and end-of-month procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures
Closing the books and delivering complete monthly reporting packages by the 8th business day of the following month
Addressing Quality Control review notes by resolving issues and documenting outcomes in the designated system
Reviewing newly onboarded client accounts, documenting details in the Client Info Sheet (CIS), and setting up QuickBooks Online files, including beginning balances and payroll liabilities
Preparing monthly three-way trust reconciliations, documenting variances, and following up persistently with clients to ensure timely resolution
Serving as the primary point of contact for clients regarding missing documentation and questions about financial reports and trust reconciliations
Clearly communicating key observations that should be reviewed with a fractional CFO, Controller, or Legal Management Advisor, without providing independent financial advice
Drafting clear, professional written communications for clients, advisors, and internal documentation
Participating in client or advisor calls as needed to explain bookkeeping items or request information
Escalating issues proactively before they become larger problems
Supporting financial analysis by preparing reports or answering questions for HTM Controllers and Advisors
Assisting with training new technical staff through shadowing, answering questions, and providing feedback
Recording daily time by client in the applicable system
Completing year-end close activities and post year-end tax adjusting entries
Obtaining QuickBooks certification and attending all required internal trainings
Maintaining confidentiality of all client information
Performing additional duties as assigned
Required Skills and Abilities
Strong understanding of general accounting principles, particularly payroll journal entries
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and strong problem-solving skills
Proficiency with accounting software and spreadsheets; QuickBooks Online experience strongly preferred
Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with tight deadlines
Experience with escrow or trust accounting for law firms is a strong plus
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
Confidence interacting directly with clients and explaining bookkeeping matters clearly via Zoom, phone, or written communication
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance preferred
Minimum of one year of related accounting or financial control experience, or significant advanced bookkeeping experience
IOLTA or trust accounting and reconciliation experience is a plus
Additional Details
Occasional travel may be required for quarterly conferences
Standard office hours are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time, approximately 45 hours per week
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