Senior Accountant

GHJ Search and Staffing; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

GHJ Search and Staffing, the recruitment division of GHJ, is seeking an experienced Senior Accountant for a Downtown Los Angeles law firm. This onsite role will oversee general accounting functions, support month-end close, manage client trust accounts, and ensure accurate financial reporting.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years of progressive accounting experience in professional services or legal environments, with a strong GAAP background and familiarity with IOLTA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• 4+ years of progressive accounting experience.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment preferred.
• Knowledge of trust accounting and IOLTA compliance preferred.
• Strong understanding of GAAP.
• CPA or CPA-eligible preferred.
• Proficiency in accounting systems (Elite, Aderant, or similar) preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes.
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger activity.
• Assist with preparation of financial statements and management reports.
• Perform variance analysis and provide financial insights to firm leadership.
• Oversee client trust (IOLTA) accounts and ensure compliance with State Bar regulations.
• Coordinate billing, collections, and revenue recognition processes.
• Assist with partner compensation calculations and distributions.

Skills

Advanced Excel

GAAP knowledge

Professional services experience

Trust accounting

IOLTA compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

CPA or CPA-eligible

Tools

Elite

Aderant

Legal billing software

Job description

GHJ Search and Staffing serves as the recruitment division of GHJ, a prominent national accounting and advisory firm. Our team provides qualified Accounting and Finance professionals on a temporary and permanent basis across a broad range of industries. GHJ's relationship with our Global Advisory and Accounting Network provides the resources needed to better understand client's needs, attract a higher caliber of candidates and assess candidate potential.

Position Overview

A reputable law firm in Downtown Los Angeles is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join its finance team. This fully onsite role will oversee general accounting functions, support month-end close, manage trust accounting compliance, and ensure accurate financial reporting. The ideal candidate has experience in professional services or legal environments and understands the nuances of law firm accounting, including client trust accounts and partner distributions.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Reporting & Close
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and year-end close processes
• Prepare and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and general ledger activity
• Assist with preparation of financial statements and management reports
• Perform variance analysis and provide financial insights to firm leadership
• Ensure compliance with GAAP and firm accounting policies
• Trust & Legal Accounting
• Oversee client trust (IOLTA) accounts and ensure compliance with State Bar regulations
• Reconcile trust accounts and monitor client retainers
• Coordinate billing, collections, and revenue recognition processes
• Assist with contingency fee and matter-based accounting as applicable
• Operational Accounting
• Manage fixed assets, accruals, and prepaid expenses
• Support accounts payable and payroll processing
• Assist with partner compensation calculations and distributions
• Maintain internal controls and recommend process improvements
• Audit & Compliance
• Support annual audit and tax preparation processes
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal reporting requirements
• Maintain proper documentation and accounting records

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• 4+ years of progressive accounting experience
• Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
• Knowledge of trust accounting and IOLTA compliance preferred
• Strong understanding of GAAP
• CPA or CPA-eligible preferred
• Proficiency in accounting systems (Elite, Aderant, or similar legal billing software preferred)
• Advanced Excel skills

$90,000 - $110,000 a year

#GHJSS

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.