Senior Accountant

California Lawyers Association; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is seeking a Senior Accountant in Sacramento to oversee GL, revenue, and AR functions in a hybrid role requiring in-office presence several days weekly. You will collaborate with the CFO, manage journal entries, and support audits and budgets for multiple entities.

Ideal candidates have a BS in Accounting or related field with 3–5 years of progressive experience, strong GAAP knowledge, and proficiency in QuickBooks/ERP systems.

Qualifications

• BS in Accounting, Finance or related field; 3–5 years progressive experience.
• Working knowledge of GAAP and financial reporting.
• Strong attention to detail with analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; QuickBooks or ERP systems.
• Intermediate Excel skills: pivot tables, formulas, linked workbooks.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate across teams.
• Experience with month-end close responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• AR, Revenue, & Deferred Revenue management and revenue recognition.
• Reconcile membership dues to revenue system reports and prepare journal entries.
• Prepare complex journal entries and support schedules per GAAP.
• Support monthly close with schedules, analysis, and documentation.
• Research and resolve account variances; assist in financial statements.
• Intercompany accounting for grants, including intercompany reconciliation.
• Assist audits, budget planning, and tax filings; ensure internal controls.
• Document and improve accounting processes; mentor junior staff; backup duties.

Skills

GAAP knowledge

Financial reporting

Excel

QuickBooks

Analytical skills

Communication

Month-end close

Education

BS in Accounting, Finance or related field

Tools

Bill.com

Concur

Ramp

ERP systems

Job description

This position is located in Sacramento, California and candidate must be able to be at this office multiple times per week.

Introduction:

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is the Bar association for all California attorneys. We are a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California. CLA houses eighteen, each offering top-tier programs, award winning conferences, events, and provides access to outstanding legal resources. We continuously seek new ways to expand our offerings. Through premier educational and networking opportunities, our members can maintain expertise in their fields, build contacts, and uphold the legal profession and system. CLA also has several initiatives that support its mission of promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law.

We are dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys from a variety of diverse backgrounds practicing in the state of California. All CLA employees must demonstrate cultural fluency by proactively managing bias and maintaining sensitivity to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, and age of our members and the legal community.

Summary:

Under general supervision of the CFO, the Senior Accountant is responsible for serving as the liaison between CLA Staff and Accounting on three key areas: general ledger/financial reporting, revenue, receivables, deferred revenue, and intercompany accounting. The Senior Accountant plays a critical role on the finance and accounting team by managing aspects of the day-to-day accounting activities primarily on the revenue and AR side, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements. They will partner with the internal teams and external accounting partner to contribute to general ledger activities, including journal entries, reconciliations, and account analysis. Working closely with internal departments and the organization’s external accounting partner, the Senior Accountant contributes to general ledger activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, account analysis, and month-end close processes.

This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of three days per week onsite. Additional onsite presence may be required to meet business needs during regulatory compliance, budgeting, and other critical financial reporting cycles.

Duties and Responsibilities:

AR, Revenue, & Deferred Revenue

• Review customer agreements and non‑standard billing arrangements to ensure accurate billing and revenue recognition.
• Reconcile membership dues to revenue system reports, cash receipts, deferred revenue, general ledger activity, and prepare related journal entries.

General Ledger, Close & Financial Reporting

• Prepare complex journal entries and supporting schedules in accordance with GAAP.
• Support monthly close activities by providing accurate schedules, analysis, and documentation.
• Research and resolve account reconciliation variances and discrepancies independently.
• Assist in the preparation of financial statements and management reports.

Intercompany Accounting

• Accounting for assigned grants, including revenue, deferred revenue for our charitable arm, a Foundation.
• Reconcile intercompany accounts monthly

Audit, Budget, Compliance Support

• Respond to requests in support of annual audits and tax filings and budget preparation for two separate entities.

Process Improvement & Team Support

• Assist with documenting and improving accounting processes and internal controls.
• Provide backup support for accounting operations, including banking, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functions.
• Mentor and support entry level Accounting Staff
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required:

• BS in Accounting, finance or related field, preferred with 3-5 years relevant progressive experience
• Working knowledge of GAAP, general accounting procedures, financial reporting (must understand difference between balance sheet and P&L accounts), and internal controls
• Carry out the proper procedures to ensure internal controls are met
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and analytical skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks, or other accounting software or ERP systems
• Intermediate level working knowledge of Excel (pivot tables, formulas, linked workbooks, etc.)
• Proven ability to take initiative, anticipate challenges, develop solutions, exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams
• Experience with month end close responsibilities
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset

• Proven initiative for working independently

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of company and client information

• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines under minimal supervision

Preferred Experience:

• Working with fund accounting
• Expense reporting platforms like Bill.com, Concur, and Ramp
• Reading financial reporting trends and providing guidance to those not familiar