Assistant Controller

GHJ; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading personal injury law firm in Newport Beach is seeking an Assistant Financial Controller to oversee client trust transactions and financial reporting. This role offers high visibility with upper management, opportunities to mentor staff, and a vibrant work culture with competitive compensation and benefits.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Bonus eligibility

Professional development opportunities

Onsite perks and team events

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting experience, legal or professional services background preferred.
• CPA (active/inactive) strongly preferred.
• 2+ years in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily trust accounting operations and staff.
• Support financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP.
• Lead ad hoc projects and budgeting efforts.

Skills

Trust accounting

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

QuickBooks

NetSuite

Excel

Job description

GHJ Search and Staffing is working closely with a leading personal injury law firm headquartered in Newport Beach. The team is seeking an Assistant Financial Controller with a strong accounting background—preferably with experience in trust accounting and the legal or professional services space—to join their growing team and oversee client trust transactions, disbursements, and reporting functions.

Here’s a quick snapshot of what the role offers:

- Key ownership of trust accounting and financial reporting

- High visibility working closely with the Controller and CFO

- Opportunity to mentor staff and help improve processes

- Competitive comp + bonus, 401(k), and great in-office culture

Key Responsibilities:

Trust Accounting (60%)

• Oversee daily trust accounting operations, staff, and workflows
• Review and manage client trust transactions and disbursements
• Ensure compliance with State Bar rules and internal policies
• Conduct monthly reconciliations and support audits
• Review settlement statements and coordinate with legal teams
• Train and mentor trust accounting staff

Financial Reporting & Analysis (25%)

• Support financial statement preparation in accordance with GAAP
• Deliver KPI and financial reports to leadership
• Manage AP/AR processes, reconciliations, and journal entries
• Ensure accuracy in financial reporting and internal controls

Other (15%)

• Lead ad hoc projects and budgeting efforts
• Handle payroll processing and assist with commissions
• Manage wire transfers, ACH distributions, and Salesforce reporting

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 10+ years of accounting experience; legal or professional services background preferred
• CPA (active/inactive) strongly preferred
• 2+ years in a supervisory role
• Strong knowledge of trust accounting practices
• Skilled in QuickBooks, NetSuite, and advanced Excel
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Bonus eligibility
• Professional development opportunities
• Onsite perks and team events

$150,000 - $175,000 a year

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