Fractional Law Firm Accounting Manager (Full Time Role)

SMB Team • Philadelphia, PA

9d • $80,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The SMB Team is seeking an internal, FULL TIME HIRE who will serve in a client facing Legal Accounting Manager role for our Fractional Bookkeeping/Accounting Department. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of bookkeeping/accounting and enjoys being in a client facing and team lead role. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned bookkeeping/accounting professional looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Requirements

• 7+ years of progressive accounting experience within a professional services environment, with at least 2+ years supervising accounting staff or managing cross-client operations in an agency setting.
• Direct legal accounting experience, extensive, demonstrable experience in law firm accounting workflows is non-negotiable.
• Dedication to the client experience (internal and external customers)
• Experience managing at least 30 accounts at once
• Expert-level understanding of financial statements, variance analyses, accrual/adjusting entries, and untangling severely neglected trust accounts.
• Direct legal vertical experience (IOLTA trust compliance and legal software); manage daily synchronization and mapping between core cloud accounting ecosystems and legal practice management/billing software
• Advanced, hands-on proficiency with QuickBooks Online and Clio (or equivalent legal tech platforms).
• Ability to learn new technology and bookkeeping systems quickly (experience with multiple is a plus!)
• High level of attention to detail - able to spot needles in haystacks
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is required

Nice To Haves

• a CPA license or active progress toward a CPA/Master’s designation is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for a small portfolio of law firm clients.
• Serve as the final reviewer for all monthly financial packages produced by the accounting team before delivery to law firm partners. Verify that every client file maintains standards and accurate 3-way IOLTA matching.
• Personally take over and execute the most severe, back-logged, or out-of-balance historical trust account cleanups and complex multi-entity onboarding files.
• Actively supervise and mentor new or struggling team members. Design and implement structured training plans to close operational skill gaps regarding Clio mapping, trust rules, and self-review techniques.
• Oversee the onboarding and setup for new bookkeeping clients and ensure a smooth experience.
• Help build, refine, and maintain internal firm workflows, standardized closing checklists, and quality control systems to ensure scalability as the agency adds client volume.
• Monitor individual team portfolio health, tracking deadlines, workload distribution, and client satisfaction metrics to report directly to the Director.
• Handle everything from daily data entry to multi-month messy IOLTA trust cleanups and partner-facing calls. Billing portals (Clio, etc.), bank/CC accounts, accounts payable, and final, self-reviewed financial reporting packages. Includes optional payroll, AP/1099 reporting if required.
• Immediately able to perform unassisted in balancing complex legal tech stacks and regulatory trust tracking (3-way reconciliations).
• Other duties could include assisting in the sale of this service, handling general client matters, and attending events to represent this service to our clients.

Benefits

• We pay for 75% of your Medical, Dental, Vision insurance for YOU and YOUR FAMILY.
• An opportunity to earn quarterly bonuses based on performance.
• UNLIMITED VACATION TIME
• Team member education and learning budget on courses, events and books.
• Company activities, outings, and retreats.
• Simple IRA WITH a 3% Match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level