Payroll & Trust Accountant

Job Summary:
We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Trust Accountant to join our finance team. This is a specialized role that requires a high level of discretion and accuracy. The Payroll & Trust Accountant will be responsible for the full-cycle payroll process, the management of specialized fiduciary accounts (IOLA/Escrow), and the execution of partner compensation transactions.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Payroll Administration:

o Manage and process full-cycle payroll for all employees.
o Maintain employee records, ensuring accurate tax compliance and benefit deductions.
o Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.

• IOLA & Escrow Management:

o Oversee the lifecycle of IOLA and Escrow funds, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements for all deposits and disbursements.
o Ensure proper documentation and “paper trails” for every movement of trust funds.
o Perform regular reconciliations to ensure ledger balances match bank statements.

• Partner Compensation & Draws:

o Oversee the calculation and payment of partner draws.
o Execute all associated transactions and ensure all supporting paperwork and tax documentation are filed correctly.
o Maintain strict confidentiality regarding partner financial information.

• General Ledger & Reporting:

o Prepare, verify, and post journal entries to the General Ledger.
o Assist in month-end and year-end closing processes.
o Collaborate with the Controller to ensure the integrity of the firm’s financial data.

Qualifications & Skills

• Technical Expertise: Experience with Paylocity is highly preferred; however, proficiency in other major payroll platforms (ADP, Gusto, Workday) is acceptable.
• Fiduciary Knowledge: Prior experience managing IOLA/Escrow accounts within a legal environment is a significant plus.
• Accounting Core: A solid understanding of the basics of accounting principles
• The “Soft” Stuff: High emotional intelligence and discretion. You’ll be handling sensitive financial data for both the firm and its partners.
• Organization: A love for organized paperwork and digital filing systems.

Preferred Experience

• 3–5 years of accounting or payroll experience.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services setting.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables are your friends).