Manager, Trust & Accounts Payable - Halifax, NS

Stewart McKelvey • Halifax, NS

15d

About The Position

We are not your average law firm.

At Stewart McKelvey, we think: forward in a typically traditional field to outperform the expectations of our clients – and our employees. Our team members are the force that drives our business toward a modern, diverse and innovative future.

Our goal is to continue to invest in people who contribute their diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences. At Stewart McKelvey, your whole unique self will belong. 

In return, we offer a culture that supports flexible work arrangements, mental and physical wellness, and a competitive compensation & benefits package. 

We are currently seeking a Manager, Trust & Accounts Payable to join our Finance team based in the Firm’s Halifax office.

The Manager, Trust & Accounts Payable oversees trust accounting and accounts payable functions, ensuring compliance with Law Society requirements, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, internal policies, and financial controls. This role leads the Trust and AP teams, partners closely with lawyers and firm leadership, and is responsible for safeguarding client funds while ensuring timely and accurate processing of firm and client‑related disbursements.

The successful candidate brings strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and a collaborative leadership approach, with a focus on accuracy, compliance, and continuous process improvement.

This role offers the opportunity to play a key part in strengthening financial controls and modernizing processes within our Trust and Accounts Payable functions in a collaborative, professional services environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all trust accounting activities in accordance with applicable provincial Law Society rules, AML and banking regulations, including Client ID & Verification.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring, documentation, and escalation of potential compliance issues, as well as the accurate receipt, recording, disbursement, and reconciliation of trust funds.
• Ensure trust transactions are properly authorized, supported, recorded, and processed in a timely manner, including investment of funds.
• Develop and maintain oversight of monthly trust reconciliations and management reporting and investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Manage and act as a key contact for trust audits, Law Society inspections, and internal reviews, coordinating responses and ensuring timely follow‑up on findings.
• Support lawyers and staff by providing guidance on trust‑related rules, procedures, and best practices.
• Manage and administer banking users and access in accordance with internal policies and risk management practices.
• Oversee the full accounts payable cycle, including invoice processing, expense reimbursement, vendor payments, and disbursement controls.
• Maintain strong internal controls over payments, including segregation of duties and approval thresholds, and ensure AP transactions are accurate, approved in accordance with firm policy, and recorded in the appropriate accounting period.
• Manage vendor relationships, working to reduce the use of paper instruments and resolve payment issues in a professional and timely manner.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, including performance management, coaching, and development of team members.
• Establish team priorities, monitor workloads, and ensure service levels are met.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Lead Trust and AP projects, including technology implementations, policy modernization, and reporting enhancements.
• Serve as a change agent within the finance function, promoting innovation, automation, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Flexible work arrangements for many positions, including work from home options
• A generous paid time-off package including vacation time, sick time and “flex days”
• Group Retirement Plan with employer contribution matching
• A top rate flexible health and dental plan
• An annual wellness allowance, for a broad range of eligible expenses, such as fitness memberships and fees, fitness equipment, general health & wellness support, personal development courses, and home office expenses
• A “Dress for your Day” policy
• Assistance for continuing education
• Social events and staff retreats
• A positive and fun work environment where we value inclusion and mutual respect

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed