Settlement Accounting Manager

SINGLETON SCHREIBER LLP•San Diego, CA

6d•$120,000 - $130,000•Remote

About The Position

The Settlement Accounting Manager oversees settlement-related accounting activities, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing of settlements. The role leads the settlement accounting team, manages complex financial workflows, and partners with Legal, Operations, and Finance to support firm-wide settlement processes and reporting. It is a full-time, remote-eligible position, with a preference for candidates based in San Diego, California. The manager directs the settlement accounting function and its daily operations, including workload distribution, training, and performance management. This includes overseeing settlement fund recording, reconciliation, and disbursement; reviewing settlement calculations and allocations; maintaining internal controls and procedures; and monitoring compliance with client trust accounting rules, firm policies, and applicable regulations. The role also prepares and reviews settlement-related journal entries, reports, and financial schedules, and supports audits and inquiries. The position serves as a liaison among Accounting, Legal, Settlement Administration, and external stakeholders. It identifies and implements workflow improvements and promotes the use of AI and automation tools—including Microsoft Copilot, Cowork, and Power Automate—to reduce manual work and improve efficiency. The manager also supports leadership with settlement-related financial analysis and reporting. The role may involve handling sensitive financial information and meeting strict deadlines tied to settlement schedules. The stated annual salary range is $120,000–$130,000. Actual salary may vary based on location, skills, experience, and qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
At least 5 years of accounting experience, with significant exposure to settlement accounting, trust accounting, or similar complex financial environments.
Prior people management or team lead experience.
Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and reconciliation processes.
High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
Proficiency with accounting systems and Excel.
Process-oriented approach and strong analytical skills.
Ability to train a team and individual employees and continually improve processes and performance.
Strong leadership skills, including building a team and managing administrative requirements.

Nice To Haves

Law firm experience.
Experience with legal or settlement management systems.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage the settlement accounting function to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
Oversee the recording, reconciliation, and disbursement of settlement funds in accordance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.
Develop, implement, and maintain internal controls and accounting procedures related to settlements.
Act as a liaison between Accounting, Legal, Settlement Administration, and external stakeholders.
Promote AI and automation tools, including Microsoft Copilot, Cowork, and Power Automate, to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
Manage day-to-day settlement accounting team operations, including workload distribution, training, and performance management.
Review and approve settlement calculations, allocations, and disbursements.
Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of trust and settlement accounts.
Monitor compliance with client trust accounting rules, internal policies, and applicable regulations.
Prepare and review settlement-related journal entries, reports, and financial schedules.
Assist with audits, internal reviews, and responses to settlement accounting inquiries.
Identify process improvement opportunities and implement workflow efficiencies.
Support leadership with settlement-related financial analysis and reporting.
Manage team administration, including time-off and timecard approvals, compliance training, and 90-day and annual evaluations.
Meet strict deadlines tied to settlement schedules and handle sensitive financial information.

Benefits

Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
$50,000 life insurance provided at no cost.
401(k) plan with a 6% dollar-for-dollar employer match after the probationary period.
Paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or fostering.
Dependent care reimbursement up to $3,500 per month.
Healthcare and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Infertility treatment reimbursement up to $5,000.
Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250 per year for professional development.
Monthly commuter reimbursement up to $100 for public transportation.
One-time home office reimbursement of $150 for a desk and $150 for a chair.
$25 work-from-home allowance each pay period for hybrid and remote staff.
Coverage of state bar and approved professional association dues.
$30 Grubhub lunch credit on the first Friday of each month.
Matching donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and encouragement of volunteer time.