What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accountant position at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP?
Job Title: Accountant
Location: Baltimore, MD
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt
About Us:
Whiteford, Taylor & Preston is a leading law firm focusing on corporate litigation, global and regulatory law, serving clients across a wide range of industries. With offices throughout the mid-Atlantic and a team of 180 lawyers, we are dedicated to helping businesses grow both regionally and globally. We pride ourselves on providing innovative, sophisticated legal services and fostering an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives thrive.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Accountant to join our finance team. This role is responsible for a variety of key accounting functions, including bank reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, accounting system user setups, and other essential tasks to ensure the smooth operation of the firm’s accounting systems. Once the candidate has demonstrated competency and accuracy in those tasks, the role will be expanded to include financial reporting, budgeting and other reporting for various jurisdictions. You will work closely on a collaborative team with the Finance & Operations Manager, Senior Accountant, Accounting Systems Analyst and CFO, playing an integral role in the firm’s financial management.
Key Responsibilities:
Accounting Operations
- Perform monthly bank and general ledger reconciliations, including preparation and posting of related journal entries.
- Maintain the firm’s general ledger, including adding and deactivating accounts as needed.
- Manage timekeeper maintenance within the accounting system.
- Process and post firm-wide vendor invoices, including Federal Express, Lexis, and Westlaw.
Reporting & Analysis
- Prepare and distribute monthly financial reports for firm partners.
- Calculate and communicate formula-based compensation on a monthly basis.
- Prepare interim and annual pro bono reports for internal use.
- Provide financial reports and ad hoc analyses as requested by the Finance & Operations Manager or CFO.
Compliance & Periodic Filings
- Compile accounting information in support of client audit letter requests, as needed.
- Prepare and electronically file annual 1099s.
- Assist with monthly tax filings across various jurisdictions.
- Support accounting and reporting for the firm’s Charitable Trust.
Budgeting & Firm Support
- Assist with the annual budget process and mid-year financial review.
- Maintain and update production credit information within the accounting system.
- Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned.
Skills and Abilities:
- Law firm or 3E accounting system experience is highly preferred.
- Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly in logical thinking and applying mathematical abilities.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.), Word, and Outlook, with strong technical aptitude in accounting software and systems.
- Experience with PowerBI or Power Platforms (Power Automate, Power Apps) is a plus
Education and Experience:
- A four-year college degree in accounting or a related field, or a minimum of five years' experience in a business or accounting environment.
What We Offer:
- A competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and supportive environment.
- A collaborative culture that values innovation, integrity, and inclusivity.
Salary : $85,000 - $110,000