Senior Accountant (Personal Injury Law)

BD&J•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$40 - $60•Onsite

About The Position

Based in Los Angeles, BD&J is California’s leading personal injury law firm, having recovered over $2 billion for our clients. Our success is built on trust, dedication, accountability, and exceptional results. We are currently seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our Finance & Accounting team. This role plays a critical part in maintaining financial integrity, safeguarding client funds, and supporting the firm’s continued growth within a high-volume contingency fee environment. The Senior Accountant is responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations with a primary focus on client trust (IOLTA) accounting, settlement accounting, revenue recognition, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance in accordance with California State Bar requirements. This position ensures financial accuracy, protects client trust funds, and maintains audit-ready records while supporting operational and strategic decision-making across the firm.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
Minimum 5+ years of accounting experience
Prior law firm accounting experience strongly preferred
Experience working within a contingency fee-based environment preferred
Client trust (IOLTA) accounting experience highly desirable
Strong knowledge of GAAP
Understanding of legal trust accounting principles
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems
Experience with legal practice management software preferred
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
Ability to manage highly confidential financial information
Excellent organizational and time management abilities
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines

Nice To Haves

CPA designation preferred
Prior law firm accounting experience strongly preferred
Experience working within a contingency fee-based environment preferred
Client trust (IOLTA) accounting experience highly desirable
Experience with legal practice management software preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain accurate books and records for Client Trust Accounts in compliance with State Bar regulations
Perform monthly three-way trust reconciliations, including: Bank balance reconciliation Client trust liability ledger Trust account register
Maintain client and matter-level trust subledgers
Ensure strict separation of operating and client trust funds
Investigate and resolve trust discrepancies in a timely manner
Maintain documentation supporting compliance and audit readiness
Record and reconcile settlement proceeds received into trust accounts
Prepare settlement statements and disbursement schedules
Accurately account for: Attorney contingency fees Advanced client costs Medical provider liens Case-related expenses Net client proceeds
Process trust disbursements to clients and third parties
Transfer earned attorney fees from Trust to Operating accounts in accordance with executed settlement statements
Track and reconcile advanced client costs and case cost recoveries
Record earned contingency fee revenue
Monitor reimbursement and recovery activity
Maintain accurate case cost asset balances
Track medical provider liens and settlement-related obligations
Maintain accurate payable balances by case
Monitor lien reductions and negotiated settlements
Coordinate timely payment of settlement obligations
Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts
Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations
Support month-end and year-end close processes
Assist in preparation of: Financial statements Trust liability reports WIP and case cost aging reports
Analyze financial variances and provide recommendations
Ensure adherence to firm policies and regulatory requirements
Maintain financial records in accordance with retention standards
Support internal and external audits
Recommend process improvements and internal control enhancements
Ensure proper approval and documentation for all disbursements