What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Accountant position at Peckar & Abramson, P.C.?
Department: Accounting
Reporting to: Controller
Position Summary
The Staff Accountant manages the firm's trust accounting function, supports broader law firm accounting operations, and serves as a resource for attorneys, clients, and internal teams on trust funds, retainers, balances, and transactions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Trust Accounting (Primary Responsibility)
- Administer firm trust accounts and maintain accurate client retainer and trust fund records.
- Process and reconcile trust deposits, transfers, wires, disbursements, and account activity in accordance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the primary contact for attorneys and clients on trust balances, funding inquiries, retainers, and trust-related transactions.
- Review trust balances and activity, resolve discrepancies, and communicate funding needs.
- Verify and maintain trust banking and wire instructions across office locations and accounts.
- Prepare trust reconciliations, reports, analyses, and audit-ready documentation.
Accounting Operations Support
- Support general law firm accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing support, cash application, reconciliations, and transaction research.
- Review financial transactions and supporting documentation and assist with vendor, client, and matter account maintenance.
- Support month-end and year-end close, including journal entries, bank and account reconciliations, and financial schedules.
- Assist with financial reporting, audit requests, and process improvements to support accounting operations.
Cross-Functional Coverage
- Maintain working knowledge of accounting department functions and provide backup coverage for team members.
- Support critical accounting functions, including billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and month-end close, as needed.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of accounting experience in a law firm required.
- Experience with trust accounting, legal accounting, escrow accounting, or client fund management strongly preferred.
- Experience working directly with internal and external stakeholders in a client-service environment.
Technical Skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting or financial management systems.
- Aderant experience preferred.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles, reconciliations, and internal controls.
Core Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills with attorneys, clients, vendors, and staff.
- Analytical, solutions-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.
What We Offer
Peckar & Abramson provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and FSA/HSA options. The firm also offers discounted supplemental life insurance, a commuter transit program, and excess liability coverage.
For candidates who will be working or residing in New Jersey if selected for the position, the listed salary range is $70,000-$90,000. Final compensation will be determined based on internal salary guidelines, market benchmarks, relevant skills and experience, educational qualifications, and certifications.
Peckar & Abramson, P.C. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.
Salary : $70,000 - $90,000