Senior Accountant (Personal Injury Law)

About BD&J

Based in Los Angeles, BD&J is California’s leading personal injury law firm, having recovered over $2 billion for our clients. Our success is built on trust, dedication, accountability, and exceptional results.

We are currently seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join our Finance & Accounting team. This role plays a critical part in maintaining financial integrity, safeguarding client funds, and supporting the firm’s continued growth within a high-volume contingency fee environment.

Position Overview

The Senior Accountant is responsible for overseeing day-to-day accounting operations with a primary focus on client trust (IOLTA) accounting, settlement accounting, revenue recognition, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance in accordance with California State Bar requirements.

This position ensures financial accuracy, protects client trust funds, and maintains audit-ready records while supporting operational and strategic decision-making across the firm.

Responsibilities Include

Client Trust (IOLTA) Accounting

• Maintain accurate books and records for Client Trust Accounts in compliance with State Bar regulations
• Perform monthly three-way trust reconciliations, including:
• Bank balance reconciliation
• Client trust liability ledger
• Trust account register
• Maintain client and matter-level trust subledgers
• Ensure strict separation of operating and client trust funds
• Investigate and resolve trust discrepancies in a timely manner
• Maintain documentation supporting compliance and audit readiness

Settlement & Disbursement Accounting

• Record and reconcile settlement proceeds received into trust accounts
• Prepare settlement statements and disbursement schedules
• Accurately account for:
• Attorney contingency fees
• Advanced client costs
• Medical provider liens
• Case-related expenses
• Net client proceeds
• Process trust disbursements to clients and third parties
• Transfer earned attorney fees from Trust to Operating accounts in accordance with executed settlement statements

Revenue & Cost Accounting

• Track and reconcile advanced client costs and case cost recoveries
• Record earned contingency fee revenue
• Monitor reimbursement and recovery activity
• Maintain accurate case cost asset balances

Lien & Payable Management

• Track medical provider liens and settlement-related obligations
• Maintain accurate payable balances by case
• Monitor lien reductions and negotiated settlements
• Coordinate timely payment of settlement obligations

General Ledger & Financial Reporting

• Maintain and reconcile general ledger accounts
• Prepare monthly journal entries and account reconciliations
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Assist in preparation of:
• Financial statements
• Trust liability reports
• WIP and case cost aging reports
• Analyze financial variances and provide recommendations

Compliance & Internal Controls

• Ensure adherence to firm policies and regulatory requirements
• Maintain financial records in accordance with retention standards
• Support internal and external audits
• Recommend process improvements and internal control enhancements
• Ensure proper approval and documentation for all disbursements

Skills & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field required
• CPA designation preferred
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience
• Prior law firm accounting experience strongly preferred
• Experience working within a contingency fee-based environment preferred
• Client trust (IOLTA) accounting experience highly desirable
• Strong knowledge of GAAP
• Understanding of legal trust accounting principles
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems
• Experience with legal practice management software preferred

Core Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills
• Ability to manage highly confidential financial information
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines

We Offer An Excellent Compensation Package Including

• Guaranteed competitive compensation
• Performance-based bonus opportunities
• 401(k) plan
• 80 hours of vacation during the first year of employment
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Supplemental insurance options
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

At BD&J, we have a clear vision: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work. We pride ourselves on bringing the best results to our clients and know our company runs on the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees.

BD&J is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

BD&J is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer dedicated to a policy of compliance with all federal, state, and local laws regarding nondiscrimination in employment. No questions included in our application process are intended to secure information to be used for unlawful purposes.

Consistent with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.