Accounting Manager (Legal Industry)

Accounting Manager - Legal Industry

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day accounting operations of the firm, ensuring accurate financial reporting, compliance with firm policies, and efficient management of new matter intake, billing, collections, accounts payable, and trust accounting functions. This role works closely with the Firm Administrator, HR, IT, partners, attorneys, and administrative staff to support the financial health and operational goals of the firm. The ideal candidate will have strong law firm accounting experience, exceptional analytical skills, and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Accounting Manager Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, new matter intake, billing, collections, cash flow, and bank reconciliations
• Oversee the billing cycle, including time submission, invoicing, e-billing, collections, aged receivables, and write-offs.
• Resolve billing, timekeeping and origination issues.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop accounting staff to maintain high performance standards.
• Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency and reporting accuracy.
• Ensure compliance with accounting policies, trust accounting requirements, and internal controls.
• Manage month-end and year-end closing processes and assist in the preparation of financial statements and management reports.
• Monitor firm cash flow and operating expenses.
• Support with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis for the Firm.
• Coordinate with banks and other vendors.
• Support partner compensation and serve as backup resource for payroll.
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and financial software integrations
• Other duties as assigned.

Accounting Manager Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in accounting or finance role, preferably within a law firm.
• Prior supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Deep knowledge of legal billing, trust accounting, and law firm financial operations.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills required.
• Experience with legal accounting and billing systems such as Juris preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with attorneys and staff.
• Well organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong work ethic, motivated, and reliable.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.