Accounting Specialist

Job Description

Shipman’s value lies in our commitment -- to our clients, to the profession and to the community. We have one goal: to help our clients achieve their goals. How we accomplish it is simple: we devote our considerable experience and depth of knowledge to understand each client’s unique needs, business and industry, and then we develop solutions to meet those needs. With more than 140 lawyers in offices throughout Connecticut and New York, we serve the needs of local, regional, national and international clients. Our clients include public and private companies, institutions, government entities, non-profit organizations and individuals.

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for performing day-to-day accounting functions with an emphasis on cash receipts, accounts payable, and general accounting support. This role ensures timely and accurate financial transactions, strong internal controls, and excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Cash Receipts

• Process daily cash receipts, including checks, ACH, wire transfers, and credit card transactions.
• Record deposits in the accounting system with accuracy and proper coding.
• Reconcile daily cash activity to bank statements and internal reports.
• Work with billing and collections team members to properly apply payments to client matters or general ledger accounts.
• Maintain documentation for all incoming payments and resolve discrepancies promptly.

Accounts Payable

• Review and process vendor invoices, ensuring proper coding, approvals, and compliance with firm policies.
• Enter invoices into the AP system and prepare weekly payment runs (checks, ACH, wires).
• Maintain vendor records, including W-9s, 1099 tracking, and address/ banking updates.
• Reconcile vendor statements and address invoice discrepancies.
• Support year-end 1099 preparation.

General Accounting Support

• Assist with month-end closing, including reconciliations and journal entries.
• Maintain accurate and organized electronic and paper files.
• Support budgeting, audit requests, and internal reporting as needed.
• Assist with expense reimbursement processing and corporate credit card reconciliation.
• Provide backup support for other accounting team functions.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of accounting experience, ideally with exposure to both AP and cash applications.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., NetSuite, Elite 3E, Aderant, or similar).
• Strong Excel skills (v-lookups, pivot tables a plus).
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Professional, customer-focused demeanor.

Core Competencies

• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Integrity and confidentiality
• Time management and prioritization
• Teamwork and communication
• Process improvement mindset
• Communicate with clients, firm staff and attorneys.
• Must have excellent organizational skills and demonstrate accuracy on work performed.
• Adapt well to change and new ideas. Willing to take on new responsibilities; take initiative to improve areas of weakness and build on current skills.
• Able to thrive in a continuous learning environment.

Hours: Full-time, with flexibility to work additional hours as indicated by client and Firm needs.

Physical and Other Requirements

The work is primarily of an intellectual nature and requires a variety of physical capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs. and rarely has to lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly to stand, walk, talk and hear. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Non-Discrimination

The Firm will not make employment decisions (including decisions related to hiring, assignment, compensation, promotion, demotion, disciplinary action and termination) on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence or any other characteristics protected by applicable law except in the case of a bona fide occupational qualification.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer Statement

The preceding job description has been designed to illustrate the general nature and requirements for the performance of this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements.