Staff Accountant at Peckar & Abramson, P.C. in PARAMUS

Staff Accountant

The Staff Accountant manages the firm's trust accounting function, supports broader law firm accounting operations, and serves as a resource for attorneys, clients, and internal teams on trust funds, retainers, balances, and transactions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Trust Accounting (Primary Responsibility)

• Administer firm trust accounts and maintain accurate client retainer and trust fund records.
• Process and reconcile trust deposits, transfers, wires, disbursements, and account activity in accordance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for attorneys and clients on trust balances, funding inquiries, retainers, and trust-related transactions.
• Review trust balances and activity, resolve discrepancies, and communicate funding needs.
• Verify and maintain trust banking and wire instructions across office locations and accounts.
• Prepare trust reconciliations, reports, analyses, and audit-ready documentation.

Accounting Operations Support

• Support general law firm accounting functions, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, billing support, cash application, reconciliations, and transaction research.
• Review financial transactions and supporting documentation and assist with vendor, client, and matter account maintenance.
• Support month-end and year-end close, including journal entries, bank and account reconciliations, and financial schedules.
• Assist with financial reporting, audit requests, and process improvements to support accounting operations.

Cross-Functional Coverage

• Maintain working knowledge of accounting department functions and provide backup coverage for team members.
• Support critical accounting functions, including billing, accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, and month-end close, as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years of accounting experience in a law firm required.
• Experience with trust accounting, legal accounting, escrow accounting, or client fund management strongly preferred.
• Experience working directly with internal and external stakeholders in a client-service environment.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting or financial management systems.
• Aderant experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, reconciliations, and internal controls.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with attorneys, clients, vendors, and staff.
• Analytical, solutions-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and discretion.

Peckar & Abramson provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), and FSA/HSA options. The firm also offers discounted supplemental life insurance, a commuter transit program, and excess liability coverage. For candidates who will be working or residing in New Jersey if selected for the position, the listed salary range is $70,000-$90,000. Final compensation will be determined based on internal salary guidelines, market benchmarks, relevant skills and experience, educational qualifications, and certifications.

Peckar & Abramson, P.C. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.