Accounting Manager

Accounting Manager – Washington, DC

A D.C. Law Firm is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Accounting Manager to join our Washington, DC office. This role serves as the Firm's senior internal accounting professional and is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the Firm's financial operations.

The Accounting Manager will oversee daily accounting functions and manage and review work performed by outside or shared-service providers. This position plays a key role in maintaining strong internal controls, managing cash flow, administering payroll and retirement plan processes, overseeing firm expenses, and supporting Firm leadership with accurate financial reporting.

Status: In office 4 days a week

Salary: Up to $140,000.00

**LOCAL CANDIDATES ONLY**

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, including general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, cash receipts, firm credit cards, and bank reconciliations.
• Review and ensure accuracy of accounting work performed by third-party providers and shared-service resources.
• Ensure timely deposits and proper posting of funds to the correct operating, trust, and client matter accounts.
• Maintain compliance with trust/IOLTA accounting requirements.
• Manage and monitor firm cash flow, including oversight of banking relationships and lines of credit.
• Serve as the Firm's primary contact with banking institutions, external auditors, and tax advisors.
• Oversee the Firm's payroll administration process, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
• Administer and support the Firm's retirement plan, including coordination with plan providers, compliance monitoring, and employee support.
• Oversee firm expense management, including expense reporting, reimbursements, policy enforcement, and cost control initiatives.
• Review and ensure proper allocation of credit card charges, including training and professional development expenses.
• Coordinate with outsourced billing providers, reviewing outputs and ensuring accuracy of billing and revenue-related data.
• Support timekeeping and matter management processes.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes and prepare financial reports for Firm leadership.
• Lead and support the Firm's budgeting and forecasting processes, including preparation of annual budgets, monitoring performance against budget, and providing variance analysis and recommendations to Firm leadership.
• Coordinate annual audit activities, including preparation of schedules, supporting documentation, and responses to auditor inquiries.
• Oversee and coordinate tax filings, working with external advisors to ensure timely and accurate submissions.
• Establish, evaluate, and enhance internal controls, accounting procedures, and financial systems to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local financial regulations and reporting requirements.
• Analyze financial results and key performance indicators, providing actionable insights to support strategic decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of accounting experience in professional services; law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with SurePoint or similar law firm financial systems preferred.
• Experience overseeing accounting operations in a complex environment.
• Knowledge of trust/IOLTA accounting and legal industry regulations.
• Experience managing payroll and benefits-related financial processes.
• Familiarity with retirement plan administration and compliance requirements.
• Experience coordinating audits and tax filings.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

How To Apply: Please respond with your resume for consideration. We welcome all candidates that meet the REQUIRED qualifications with recent relevant experience. Palmer Legal Staffing is an equal opportunity employer.

About Us: Palmer is an award winning staffing agency offering direct hire, temp-to-hire, and temporary placements for administrative, management, executive, legal and more. We represent more than 500 of the finest law firms and legal departments in the D.C. area.

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