General Ledger Staff Accountant

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global law firm based in New York is looking for a Staff Accountant to join their U.S. Business Finance Controller’s team. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual to handle cash reporting and general ledger tasks. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in accounting, at least two years of relevant experience in a professional services environment, and advanced Excel skills. The salary range for this role is between $65,000 and $75,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Two+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Knowledge of IFRS basis of accounting helpful.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and reconcile operating cash accounts daily.
• Prepare and maintain monthly workpapers for various balance sheets and income statement accounts.
• Report accurate daily operating bank account balances and weekly cash flow projections.

Skills

Advanced Microsoft Excel including VLOOKUPS and pivot tables

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Proven organizational skills with attention-to-detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting

Tools

Elite 3E or Aderant systems

Job description

Staff Accountant – U.S. Business Finance Controller

International law firm is seeking a staff accountant to join its U.S. Business Finance Controller’s team. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated accounting professional to gain experience with cash reporting and general ledger workpapers for the Firm’s U.S. region.

Key Responsibilities

Cash Account Bank Reconciliations:

• Maintain and reconcile operating cash accounts daily.
• Daily clearing of outstanding checks in a computerized accounting environment.
• Communicate with cash receipts, accounts payable, treasury teams to expeditiously investigate and report differences between book and bank activity.
• Responsible for daily journal entries for various bank charges, interbank transfers, and operating account activities including review of supporting documentation.

Cash Account Reporting:

• Report accurate daily operating bank account balances and weekly cash flow projections to global headquarters.
• Maintain detailed daily cash flow projections utilizing operating expense and capital expenditure budgets.
• Prepare draft monthly escrow account reports for distribution to management, lawyers, and clients.

Balance Sheet and Income Statement Workpapers:

• Prepare and maintain monthly workpapers for various balance sheets and income statement accounts to ensure accuracy of general ledger account balances.

Accounting Software Conversion and Other Projects:

• Participate in training and transaction testing of general ledger modules during system conversion periods.
• Collaborate on special projects as assigned by Assistant Controller/Controller.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting
• Two+ years of accounting experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment
• Advanced Microsoft Excel including VLOOKUPS and pivot tables.
• Knowledge of Elite 3E or Aderant systems helpful.
• Knowledge of IFRS basis of accounting helpful.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven organizational skills with attention-to-detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Compensation

Base pay range: $65,000 – $75,000 per year. Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience.

About Us

At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, we align your growth and ambition with ours. We invest in your personal and professional growth and support you to achieve your ambitions. And you share responsibility for playing a part in delivering the firm’s growth and ambition too.

A leading global law firm, with over 6,000 people, we are in the world's largest markets, key financial centers and major growth hubs. We’re recognized leaders in demanding contentious matters, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private transactions.

We’re immersed in the many challenges facing our clients. We’re invested and resourceful. We understand the part technology and digitalization play in the delivery of legal services. We want to make a positive impact wherever in the world we operate. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with an open mind and curiosity.

We are known for our diverse perspectives and renowned for our culture. Being human, bold and outstanding are more than our values: you’ll discover they are our lived experience. And by being ambitious for your growth and ours, we’ll achieve our goals together.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your growth. Our ambition.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is an equal opportunity employer. The firm is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience and unique perspectives. The firm does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical handicap or disability, age, citizenship status, alienage, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other criteria prohibited under applicable federal, state or local law.