Key Responsibilities:
- Financial Accounting & Reporting (40%)
- Oversee daily financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, general ledger, and month-end close.
- Prepare timely and accurate financial statements and internal reports within 7 business days.
- Partner with the CFO to develop budgets, cash flow projections, and operational forecasts.
- Ensure compliance with GAAP, tax laws, and internal financial policies.
- Lead annual audits, tax filings, and regulatory reviews in collaboration with third-party CPA firms.
- Manage biweekly payroll processing in partnership with HR.
- Design and maintain internal controls to ensure data integrity and safeguard firm assets.
- Trust Accounting & Settlement Management (50%)
- Oversee all client trust accounts to ensure strict compliance with State Bar rules on safekeeping of client funds.
- Manage disbursements for settlements, lien payments, and third-party distributions.
- Monitor trust transactions to prevent co-mingling or overdrafts.
- Conduct monthly reconciliations and promptly resolve discrepancies.
- Work closely with legal and case management teams to manage disbursement processes and maintain detailed trust records.
- Financial Operations Leadership (10%)
- Lead and develop the accounting team through mentorship, training, and performance management.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance financial workflows and reporting.
- Identify and implement new systems and process improvements for increased accuracy and efficiency.
- Support the CFO with FP&A, KPI dashboards, and other strategic initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA (active or inactive) required.
- Minimum 12+ years of progressive accounting experience, including financial statement preparation and trust accounting.
- At least 3 years of leadership experience in a law firm or contingency-based business model.
- Deep understanding of trust accounting and legal industry compliance standards.
- Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills.
- Exceptional organizational and communication skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Annual performance-based bonus
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching
- Generous PTO and paid holidays
- Professional development and leadership training
- Supportive, mission-driven workplace culture
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What We Do
GHJ is an accounting and advisory firm that specializes in nonprofit, food and beverage, entertainment and media and health and wellness companies. Previous recipient of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce Employee Champion For Life Work Harmony Award and named a “Best Places to Work” by the Los Angeles Business Journal eight times since 2008, GHJ is passionate about helping clients and its people #BeMore by focusing on building thriving businesses and creating a better future.
GHJ works as a business advocate for its clients — providing personalized service and building long-term relationships to help position our clients for growth. Through its affiliation with HLB International, a global network of independent professional accounting firms and business advisers, GHJ is able to partner with other top firms across major cities throughout the U.S. and the world. GHJ’s audit, tax and advisory teams leverage the HLB network to better serve its clients and give clients access to member firms in over 158 countries across the globe and over 775 offices worldwide.
Also ranked as a top-20 largest accounting firm on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Book of Lists, GHJ has 15 partners and more than 160 staff members that serve over 3,000 clients. GHJ is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the AICPA Governmental Audit Quality Center (GAQC), the California Society of CPAs and the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofit).
