Assistant Financial Controller

Fast growing law firm seeks an Assistant Financial Controller to join their dynamic team. This role will play a pivotal role in overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations under the direction of the Financial Controller ensuring accuracy compliance and efficiency across all accounting functions.

Responsibilities

The Assistant Financial Controller will primarily oversee all aspects of client trust accounting and financial transactions related to personal injury settlements disbursements and case expenses. This role maintains detailed records and supervises the day-to-day activities of the trust accounting team. The ideal candidate will have a solid accounting background excellent attention to detail and experience within a law firm environment preferably in personal injury or contingency fee practices.

Trust Accounting: 60%

• Supervise the daily operations of the trust accounting department including managing staff workflows and deadlines.
• Oversee and review all client trust account transactions including deposits disbursements and wire transfers.
• Ensure timely and accurate disbursement of settlement proceeds attorney fees lien payments and client refunds.
• Maintain strict compliance with applicable State Bar trust accounting rules ethical guidelines and internal policies.
• Perform monthly three-way trust account reconciliations and promptly resolve any discrepancies.
• Review settlement statements and disbursement ledgers for accuracy prior to release.
• Manage trust account audits reporting and inquiries from regulatory authorities.
• Implement document and improve trust accounting procedures and internal controls.
• Coordinate closely with attorneys case managers and lien resolution teams regarding case financials.
• Train mentor and evaluate trust accounting staff fostering a culture of accountability and precision.

Financial Reporting & Analysis: 25%

• Assist with the preparation and distribution of financial statements (Income Statement Balance Sheet and Cashflow) in compliance with GAAP standards.
• Provide timely and accurate financial and KPI reports to senior management and stakeholders.
• Ensure transparency and integrity in financial reporting practices and internal controls
• Assist & Oversee account reconciliations (including bank reconciliations audit schedules tax filing with 3rd party etc.)
• Prepare and post journal entries to accurately reflect financial transactions.
• Manage accounts payable (AP) accounts receivable (AR) cycles including invoice processing vendor management collections and revenue recognition.

Other: 15%

• Lead ad hoc projects and tasks assigned by CFO
• Assist in preparing budgets and forecasts
• Own the bi weekly payroll processing
• Own/ assist the Financial Controller with quarterly commissions calculations
• Generate Salesforce reports to support KPI reporting
• Own the wire transfers and ACH distributions

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Accounting Finance or related field
• 10 years of accounting experience within a law firm preferably personal injury or contingency fee-based.
• CPA (Active/ Inactive)
• 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of trust accounting rules
• Exceptional attention to detail organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient in accounting software (QuickBooks) and/or NetSuite
• Excellent skills in MS EXCEL
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working across legal and administrative teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced deadline-driven environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing multi-jurisdictional trust accounts.
• Familiarity with personal injury settlements lien resolution processes and case costs accounting.
• Prior involvement in trust account audits or regulatory reviews.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance-based discretionary bonus
• Health dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Paid time off and holidays various company perks throughout the year
• Professional development opportunities
• Onsite at Newport Beach CA Head office

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