Assistant Financial Controller

Consultative Search Group•Newport Beach, CA

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Fast growing law firm seeks an Assistant Financial Controller to join their dynamic team. This role will play a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations under the direction of the Financial Controller, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across all accounting functions. Responsibilities The Assistant Financial Controller will primarily oversee all aspects of client trust accounting and financial transactions related to personal injury settlements, disbursements, and case expenses. This role maintains detailed records and supervises the day-to-day activities of the trust accounting team. The ideal candidate will have a solid accounting background, excellent attention to detail, and experience within a law firm environment — preferably in personal injury or contingency fee practices.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
10+ years of accounting experience within a law firm, preferably personal injury or contingency fee-based.
CPA (Active/ Inactive)
2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience.
Strong understanding of trust accounting rules
Exceptional attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in accounting software (QuickBooks) and/or NetSuite
Excellent skills in MS EXCEL
Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working across legal and administrative teams.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing multi-jurisdictional trust accounts.
Familiarity with personal injury settlements, lien resolution processes, and case costs accounting.
Prior involvement in trust account audits or regulatory reviews.

Responsibilities

Supervise the daily operations of the trust accounting department, including managing staff, workflows, and deadlines.
Oversee and review all client trust account transactions, including deposits, disbursements, and wire transfers.
Ensure timely and accurate disbursement of settlement proceeds, attorney fees, lien payments, and client refunds.
Maintain strict compliance with applicable State Bar trust accounting rules, ethical guidelines, and internal policies.
Perform monthly three-way trust account reconciliations and promptly resolve any discrepancies.
Review settlement statements and disbursement ledgers for accuracy prior to release.
Manage trust account audits, reporting, and inquiries from regulatory authorities.
Implement, document, and improve trust accounting procedures and internal controls.
Coordinate closely with attorneys, case managers, and lien resolution teams regarding case financials.
Train, mentor, and evaluate trust accounting staff, fostering a culture of accountability and precision.
Assist with the preparation and distribution of financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cashflow) in compliance with GAAP standards.
Provide timely and accurate financial and KPI reports to senior management and stakeholders.
Ensure transparency and integrity in financial reporting practices and internal controls
Assist & Oversee account reconciliations (including bank reconciliations, audit schedules, tax filing with 3rd party, etc.)
Prepare and post journal entries to accurately reflect financial transactions.
Manage accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR) cycles, including invoice processing, vendor management, collections, and revenue recognition.
Lead ad hoc projects and tasks assigned by CFO
Assist in preparing budgets and forecasts
Own the bi weekly payroll processing
Own/ assist the Financial Controller with quarterly commissions calculations
Generate Salesforce reports to support KPI reporting
Own the wire transfers and ACH distributions