We are currently seeking a Legal Accountant for our client, a well-established law firm in Los Angeles.
This role is perfect for a detail-oriented accounting professional who understands the intricacies of law firm finance—particularly trust accounting, IOLTA compliance, and legal billing cycles. If you have experience balancing client funds, managing settlements, and ensuring that every dollar is accounted for under strict legal standards, this role is an excellent opportunity.
Summary
The Legal Accountant will play a key role in trust account management, client billing oversight, reconciliation, and financial reporting for multiple legal practice areas. This position requires strong knowledge of legal billing systems, compliance regulations (ABA and state bar rules), and the ability to partner closely with attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff to ensure seamless financial operations.
Essential Duties
- Maintain and reconcile IOLTA (Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts), ensuring compliance with state bar regulations.
- Process settlement funds, retainers, and client disbursements with precise documentation and approvals.
- Prepare, review, and distribute legal billing statements (including e-billing systems), ensuring accuracy in billable hours and expenses.
- Oversee trust-to-operating account transfers while maintaining a clear audit trail.
- Assist with month-end close, journal entries, and financial statement preparation specific to legal trust and operational accounts.
- Manage client cost recovery processes (court filings, expert witness fees, etc.).
- Support partner-level financial reporting on case profitability, revenue forecasting, and cash flow projections.
- Collaborate with auditors during annual trust account reviews and firm audits.
- Ensure adherence to GAAP, ABA trust rules, and California Bar requirements.
- Recommend process improvements to strengthen internal controls and improve billing efficiency.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
- 3+ years of accounting experience within a law firm or legal services organization (required).
- Knowledge of IOLTA trust account management and legal billing standards.
- Hands-on experience with legal accounting software (e.g., Elite, Aderant, Clio, Timeslips, or Juris).
- Advanced Excel skills for trust account reconciliation and audit preparation.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP and ABA compliance rules.
- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced legal environment.
Reasoning Ability
- Ability to navigate complex settlement transactions and ensure correct disbursement across multiple accounts.
- Skilled at analyzing attorney time entries and expense allocations for accuracy and compliance.
- Strong problem-solving skills when handling discrepancies in trust and operating accounts.
Work Environment
- Professional law firm setting with frequent collaboration between attorneys, paralegals, and finance teams.
- High-volume billing periods tied to case deadlines and litigation schedules.
- Expectation for confidentiality, precision, and discretion in all financial matters.
Physical Demands
- Daily computer use, including accounting and legal billing platforms.
- Occasional document filing and handling of physical settlement checks.
Apply today to bring your expertise to a leading legal team where compliance, accuracy, and professionalism are paramount.
Next Steps
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