Staff Accountant

Kahana & Feld Llp•Irvine, CA

5d•$35 - $39•Hybrid

About The Position

The Staff Accountant is responsible for supporting the financial operations of the law firm by maintaining accurate financial records, ensuring compliance with legal accounting standards, managing trust accounting, assisting with billing processes, and supporting financial reporting. This role requires strong knowledge of law firm accounting practices, including client trust accounting (IOLTA), time and billing systems, and partnership structures. Key Responsibilities General Accounting Functions Prepare and post journal entries. Maintain general ledger and ensure accuracy of account balances. Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual account reconciliations. Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes. Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation entries. Monitor prepaid expenses and accruals. Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner. Trust Accounting & IOLTA Compliance Manage client trust accounts in compliance with state bar regulations. Perform three-way trust reconciliations (client ledger, trust bank account, and general ledger). Monitor retainers and assist cash receipts department and AR to ensure proper application to invoices. Prepare trust disbursements and ensure proper authorization. Maintain detailed trust transaction records for audit purposes. Cash Management & Credit Card Reconciliation Reconcile operating and trust bank accounts. Monitor cash flow and report variances. Assist with monthly credit card reconciliations. Financial Reporting & Analysis Assist in preparing monthly financial statements. Prepare supporting schedules and variance analyses. Support budget preparation and tracking with controller & department heads. Assist with partner compensation calculations (if applicable). Reconcile timekeeping data to financial reports Assist in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) by attorney and practice group Prepare monthly productivity summaries for Controller and firm leadership Compliance & Audit Support Ensure compliance with GAAP and law firm accounting standards. Support annual external audits and tax preparation. Maintain documentation for internal controls. Assist with state bar compliance reviews (trust accounts). Monitor regulatory and tax filing deadlines. Systems & Process Improvement Utilize legal accounting software (Aderant). Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements. Assist with system upgrades or financial data migrations. Maintain documentation of accounting procedures. This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required.
2–5 years of accounting experience.
Strong understanding of GAAP.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP).
Experience with legal billing and accounting software.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Strong communication skills for working with attorneys and staff.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Nice To Haves

CPA or MBA preferred
Prior law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred.
Experience with trust accounting and IOLTA compliance preferred.
Knowledge of partnership accounting preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and post journal entries.
Maintain general ledger and ensure accuracy of account balances.
Perform monthly, quarterly, and annual account reconciliations.
Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
Maintain fixed asset schedules and depreciation entries.
Monitor prepaid expenses and accruals.
Investigate and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
Manage client trust accounts in compliance with state bar regulations.
Perform three-way trust reconciliations (client ledger, trust bank account, and general ledger).
Monitor retainers and assist cash receipts department and AR to ensure proper application to invoices.
Prepare trust disbursements and ensure proper authorization.
Maintain detailed trust transaction records for audit purposes.
Reconcile operating and trust bank accounts.
Monitor cash flow and report variances.
Assist with monthly credit card reconciliations.
Assist in preparing monthly financial statements.
Prepare supporting schedules and variance analyses.
Support budget preparation and tracking with controller & department heads.
Assist with partner compensation calculations (if applicable).
Reconcile timekeeping data to financial reports
Assist in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) by attorney and practice group
Prepare monthly productivity summaries for Controller and firm leadership
Ensure compliance with GAAP and law firm accounting standards.
Support annual external audits and tax preparation.
Maintain documentation for internal controls.
Assist with state bar compliance reviews (trust accounts).
Monitor regulatory and tax filing deadlines.
Utilize legal accounting software (Aderant).
Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements.
Assist with system upgrades or financial data migrations.
Maintain documentation of accounting procedures.