Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Shuffield, Lowman & Wilson is a full-service AV-Rated law firm seeking an Accounting & Banking Specialist to support its accounting team. The role manages trust and operating bank accounts, real estate closing funds, reconciliations, cash reporting, compliance records, banking activity, and month-end and year-end reporting.
Responsibilities
- Handle all accounting functions associated with real estate closings, including receipt of incoming funds, verification against the settlement statement, and disbursement of closing proceeds
- Maintain the firm's Closing Log, ensuring every closing is recorded, fully funded, disbursed, and reconciled to zero
- Maintain trust ledgers and trust logs for assigned attorneys and practice groups
- Establish and maintain sub-accounts for individual closings and matters
- Process transfers of funds to and from trust accounts and between matters, ensuring each transfer is supported by proper authorization and documentation
- Prepare and distribute the Trust Report, including narrative notes on the status of open closings and matters
- Perform monthly three-way reconciliation of each trust account (bank statement to book balance to the sum of client ledgers) and resolve reconciling items promptly
- Monitor trust balances for negative client ledgers, stale balances, and aging items, and escalate exceptions
- Support annual trust account compliance requirements, including the Trust Accounting Certificate and any Bar or auditor inquiries
- Post bank fees, interest, and other bank-originated activity monthly
- Prepare and distribute the Daily Cash email to firm leadership
- Review and approve ACH transactions within assigned authority levels
- Retrieve and distribute online bank statements and supporting documentation to the accounting team
- Reconcile the firm's Line of Credit, including draws, paydowns, and interest
- Reconcile bank and merchant/credit card accounts and research and resolve outstanding items
- Administer online banking access, positive pay exceptions, stop payments, and account signer maintenance in coordination with the Controller
- Serve as the primary day-to-day contact with the firm's banking relationship managers
- Responsible for processing outgoing wires and entering incoming wires
- Prepare and issue 1099-INT forms for interest paid on client funds at year end; assist with other 1099 reporting as assigned
- Reconcile prepaid/PPD reports and other assigned month-end schedules
- Prepare cash-related journal entries and general ledger account reconciliations as part of the month-end close
- Assist with unclaimed property/escheatment reporting for stale trust and operating balances
- Provide schedules, documentation, and support for the firm's outside accountants and any audits
- Maintain trust and banking records in accordance with firm retention policies and applicable Bar requirements
- Recommend and help implement improvements to banking and trust workflows, including automation within the firm's practice management and accounting systems
- Serve as backup for accounts payable, billing, or cash receipts functions as needed
- Maintain strict confidentiality of client and firm financial information
- Other duties as assigned
Skills
- Associate's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience
- Three or more years of accounting experience, including bank reconciliation and general ledger work
- Demonstrated accuracy with high-volume, detail-intensive transaction processing
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment with client funds
- Office-based position with standard business hours. Occasional extended hours at month-end, year-end, andaround high-volume closing days. Prolonged periods of sitting and computer work
- Experience with law firm trust/IOTA accounting or title/escrow closing accounting
- Working knowledge of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, Chapter 5 (trust accounting records and procedures)
- Experience with a legal practice management or billing platform (e.g., Centerbase, Aderant, Elite, ProLaw, Orion)
- Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Short-term disability insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- AFLAC supplemental options
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Wellness plan
- Fully remote work option if you reside in Florida
Company Overview