Fiduciary Bookkeeper (Legal)

Shipman & Goodwin LLP; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable law firm is seeking an experienced Fiduciary Bookkeeper for their Trust and Estates practice group in Hartford, Connecticut. The ideal candidate will manage check requests, invoices, and client accounts while ensuring compliance with audit and firm guidelines. Qualifications include an Associates degree and 3-5 years of bookkeeping experience, with strong attention to detail and organizational skills. The role requires proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software, making adaptability and initiative essential attributes for the position.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience as a full-charge bookkeeper.
• Ability to handle multiple projects under pressure.
• Excellent proficiency with Excel and general accounting software.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Process check requests, invoices, and client estate accounts.
• Manage and execute trades ensuring compliance with guidelines.
• Act as liaison between paralegals and attorneys.
• Handle transfers of client securities and cash.
• Maintain client accounts and online access to brokerage accounts.
• Maintain vault records for physical assets.
• Coordinate between paralegals and attorneys regarding custodial matters.
• Schedule and process payments per Account Review Forms.
• Assist with internal and external reporting as needed.
• Review Corporate Action notices and Proof of Claim forms.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Proficiency in Excel

Under pressure performance

Adapt to change

Excel proficiency

Quick grasp of new programs

Education

Associates degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Accounting software

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Shipman’s value lies in our commitment -- to our clients, to the profession and to the community. We have one goal: to help our clients achieve their goals. How we accomplish it is simple: we devote our considerable experience and depth of knowledge to understand each client’s unique needs, business and industry, and then we develop solutions to meet those needs. With more than 140 lawyers in offices throughout Connecticut and New York, we serve the needs of local, regional, national and international clients. Our clients include public and private companies, institutions, government entities, non-profit organizations and individuals.

Shipman & Goodwin, LLP is seeking a Fiduciary Bookkeeper in our Trust and Estates practice group.

Position Responsibilities

1. Process check requests, invoices and wire funds for client trust and estate accounts. Ensure availability of funds, address any overdraft issues and/or necessary transfers.
2. Process deposits of client funds via checks and wires.
3. Manage and execute trade process ensuring compliance with all audit and Firm guidelines and procedures.
4. Manage and troubleshoot incoming and outgoing transfers of client securities and cash.
5. Manage client accounts utilizing manual and electronic formats. Maintain online access to brokerage accounts as needed.
6. Manage vault records for physical assets.
7. Act as a liaison between paralegals and attorneys with regard to custodial firm.
8. Schedule and process payments in accordance with the annual Account Review Forms.
9. Assist with internal and external reporting as needed.
10. Review and process Corporate Action notices as advised.
11. Review and process Proof of Claim forms as advised.
12. Other projects, duties and responsibilities as needed.

Skills & Experience

Qualifications

• A minimum of an Associates degree or equivalent experience in fiduciary bookkeeping/accounting
• 3-5 years experience as a full-charge bookkeeper
• Ability to work well under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously and to schedule time and prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, proficiency using Excel and general accounting software with the ability to quickly grasp new programs as required by practice group needs.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with individuals at all levels both inside and outside of the Firm.
• Adapt well to change and new ideas. Willing to take on new responsibilities; takes initiative to improve areas of weakness and build on current skills.
• Able to thrive in a continuous learning environment.

Physical and Other Requirements

This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk or hear. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Non-Discrimination

The Firm will not make employment decisions (including decisions related to hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other characteristics protected by applicable law, except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Disclaimer Statement

The preceding job description has been designed to illustrate the general nature and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements.