Accounting Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discounts
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Company parties
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Free food & snacks
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Role Overview:

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for maintaining the firm's daily financial operations with a strong emphasis on accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance. This position handles accounts payable, accounts receivable, trust account administration, reconciliations, reporting, and other accounting functions to ensure the firm's financial records remain accurate and compliant.
Because Pérez Law, PC manages client funds, this role plays a critical part in maintaining the firm's Attorney Trust Accounts (IOLTA) in accordance with California State Bar trust accounting requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

General Accounting

• Process accounts payable and ensure timely vendor payments.
• Process accounts receivable and monitor outstanding balances.
• Prepare and post journal entries.
• Perform monthly bank reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate financial records.
• Assist with month-end and year-end closing procedures.
• Prepare financial reports for management.
• Reconcile credit card statements and expense reports.
• Monitor firm operating account balances.
• Maintain organized financial documentation.
• Assist with budgeting and forecasting.
• Support payroll processing and payroll reconciliations.
• Coordinate with outside CPA as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all financial information.

Trust Account (IOLTA) Responsibilities

• Process client trust deposits promptly and accurately.
• Record all trust transactions in the firm's accounting software.
• Maintain individual client trust ledgers.
• Ensure all trust funds are allocated to the correct client matter.
• Prepare trust disbursements only after receiving proper attorney authorization.
• Verify sufficient client funds exist before any trust disbursement.
• Process settlement disbursements in accordance with firm procedures.
• Maintain complete documentation supporting all trust transactions.
• Perform daily review of trust account activity.
• Assist with monthly three-way trust account reconciliations, including:
  • Bank Statement
  • Trust Account Register
  • Individual Client Ledgers
• Identify and immediately report any trust account discrepancies.
• Ensure no commingling of client funds and operating funds.
• Assist with maintaining records required by California State Bar trust accounting rules.
• Prepare trust account reports for management and attorneys.
• Maintain trust accounting records for the required retention period.
• Assist during internal audits or State Bar trust accounting reviews.

Compliance Responsibilities

• Follow California State Bar trust accounting requirements.
• Follow all internal accounting SOPs.
• Maintain confidentiality of client financial information.
• Ensure all accounting deadlines are met.
• Maintain organized accounting records.
• Report irregularities or accounting concerns immediately.
• Assist in implementing improved accounting controls.
• Maintain compliance with firm financial policies.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent accounting experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of accounting experience.
• Experience with law firm accounting preferred.
• Experience handling trust accounts highly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of accounting principles.
• Knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable.
• Experience performing bank reconciliations.
• Strong Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets skills.
• Experience using accounting software (QuickBooks, MerusCase or similar).
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage confidential information.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to identify discrepancies quickly.
• Problem-solving mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Law firm accounting experience.
• Experience with IOLTA or attorney trust accounts.
• Knowledge of California State Bar trust accounting requirements.
• Experience with QuickBooks or similar accounting systems.

California Law Firm Compliance Note
The Accounting Specialist supports the administration of the firm's trust accounts but does not independently authorize trust disbursements or make legal determinations regarding client funds . All trust disbursements must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate attorney(s) in accordance with California State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct and firm policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Pérez Law, PC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.