Assistant Financial Controller - ON SITE

Sweet James LLP; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Sweet James LLP, a recognized Personal Injury law firm, seeks an Assistant Financial Controller to manage day-to-day accounting operations. This role includes overseeing trust accounting, ensuring compliance with State Bar rules, and preparing financial reports. Candidates must have extensive accounting experience, ideally in a law firm setting, and possess strong analytical and supervisory skills.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Paid time off and holidays

Performance-based discretionary bonus

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of accounting experience within a law firm, preferable.
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience required.
• Strong understanding of trust accounting rules is critical.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily operations of the trust accounting department.
• Oversee and review client trust account transactions.
• Assist with the preparation of financial statements in compliance with GAAP.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

CPA (Active/Inactive)

Tools

QuickBooks

Netsuite

MS EXCEL

Job description

Assistant Financial Controller - ON SITE

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Assistant Financial Controller - ON SITE

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Job Description

Sweet James is a recognized Personal Injury law firm, dedicated to providing outstanding legal services and support to our clients.

Job Description

Sweet James is a recognized Personal Injury law firm, dedicated to providing outstanding legal services and support to our clients.

We are seeking a highly skilled Assistant Financial Controller to join our accounting team at our Newport Beach headquarters. 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.

Position Overview:

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.

Key Responsibilities:

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 Sweetcase (Salesfore) reports to support KPI reporting

Own the wire transfers and ACH distributions

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s 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 our Newport Beach, CA Head office

Company Description

Sweet James is a renowned law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services. Our team is driven by a commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Joining Sweet James means becoming part of a supportive and collaborative work environment where your skills and contributions are valued.

Sweet James is a renowned law firm dedicated to providing exceptional legal services. Our team is driven by a commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and continuous improvement. Joining Sweet James means becoming part of a supportive and collaborative work environment where your skills and contributions are valued.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Accounting/Auditing and Finance

• Industries

  Law Practice

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