Full Charge Bookkeeper

Ghozland Law Firm; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghozland Law Firm is seeking an experienced bookkeeper to maintain accurate financial records, reconcile trust accounts, and process vendor payments and settlement distributions. The role requires meticulous attention to trust accounting, confidentiality, and adherence to procedures.

The ideal candidate will be organized, analytical, and capable of handling confidential client information while ensuring timely and compliant settlements and ledger accuracy.

Qualifications

• Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of reconciliations and general ledger accounting.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and client information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently.

Responsibilities

• Trust Account Reconciliation & Ledger Management — review trust account balance reports and client ledgers, reconcile discrepancies, and maintain audit trails.
• Advanced Client Cost Ledger Reconciliation — review client ledgers, identify unreconciled balances, and process adjustments.
• Accounts Payable & Invoice Processing — review and process vendor invoices, code to GL, issue payments.
• Settlement Check & Distribution Processing — process settlement statements and distributions with proper approvals.
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with California trust accounting requirements.

Skills

Bookkeeping

Reconciliations

GL accounting

Time management

Analytical thinking

Confidentiality

Excel

Accounting software

Tools

Excel

Accounting software

Job description

Ghozland Law Firm is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Bookkeeper to join our team. This position plays a critical role in maintaining accurate financial records, reconciling client and trust accounts, processing vendor payments, and ensuring timely and compliant settlement distributions.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytical, and comfortable working with confidential financial and client information. Because this role involves trust accounting and settlement funds, exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, integrity, and follow-through are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Trust Account Reconciliation & Ledger Management

• Review trust account balance reports and individual client/case ledgers for closed matters.
• Identify cases with non-zero balances requiring reconciliation.
• Research and determine the cause of discrepancies, including posting errors, missing transactions, or incorrect allocations.
• Process appropriate journal entries and authorized cash transfers.
• Reconcile trust account activity to the firm's accounting records.
• Ensure closed case trust ledgers are properly reconciled and zeroed out when appropriate.
• Maintain complete documentation and an audit trail for all corrections and adjustments.
• Establish and maintain procedures for ongoing trust account monitoring and reconciliation.
• Escalate unusual or unresolved discrepancies to appropriate management.

Advanced Client Cost Ledger Reconciliation

• Review client cost ledgers for closed cases and identify outstanding or unreconciled balances.
• Research discrepancies and determine the appropriate resolution.
• Review supporting expense documentation and client reimbursement records.
• Process authorized cost adjustments, transfers, or write-offs.
• Ensure expenses are properly allocated to the appropriate case and client.
• Reconcile client cost records with the firm's accounting system.
• Maintain documentation supporting all adjustments and corrections.
• Assist in improving procedures for accurate and consistent cost tracking.

Accounts Payable & Invoice Processing

• Receive, review, and process vendor invoices.
• Verify invoices for accuracy, appropriate supporting documentation, and authorization.
• Code expenses to the appropriate general ledger accounts.
• Process vendor payments according to established schedules and approval procedures.
• Maintain accurate vendor records and payment documentation.
• Research and resolve invoice discrepancies and payment inquiries.
• Help maintain positive and professional vendor relationships.
• Ensure accounts payable records remain current and accurate.

Settlement Check & Distribution Processing

• Review settlement statements and distribution instructions for accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare and process settlement checks and other authorized distributions.
• Verify that required approvals and supporting documentation are in place before issuing payments.
• Ensure settlement distributions are properly recorded in the firm's accounting and trust records.
• Maintain complete documentation of settlement transactions.
• Process applicable tax reporting and required forms.
• Reconcile settlement activity and assist with proper case closure.
• Identify and elevate discrepancies or compliance concerns before funds are distributed.

Qualifications

Required

• Previous bookkeeping or accounting experience.
• Strong understanding of reconciliations and general ledger accounting.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive financial and client information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines independently.

Preferred

• Experience working in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Experience with trust accounting or IOLTA accounts.
• Experience reconciling client ledgers and case-related expenses.
• Experience processing settlement distributions.
• Familiarity with legal case management and accounting systems.
• Knowledge of California trust accounting requirements and procedures.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will:

• Maintain accurate and complete financial records.
• Ensure closed case trust and client cost ledgers are properly reconciled.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Process vendor invoices and payments accurately and on time.
• Ensure settlement distributions are processed accurately and with appropriate documentation.
• Maintain organized and audit-ready financial records.
• Follow established accounting and compliance procedures.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting and reconciliation processes.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity, ownership, and accountability.

Key Skills

Accuracy & Attention to Detail

Trust & Confidentiality

Analytical Thinking

Organization

Communication

Accountability

Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.