Trust Accountant at Witherite Law Group

Richardson, Texas, United StatesFull-timeAccountingPosted 3 months ago

About the Role

<div class="content-intro">Witherite Law Group (WLG) is a personal injury law firm specializing in motor vehicle accidents. Our vision is to improve the life of each person we serve. Whether it is for our employees, our clients, or our community, WLG puts people first, provides unmatched expertise, and displays integrity in every situation.   Our attorneys and staff are committed to helping injured clients get the care and service they deserve. We take care of the complex legal work so that our clients can focus on recovery and getting their lives back. We are determined to help our clients get the settlement they deserve, and we will be by our client’s side every step of the way.   This firm is a Top 100 Places to Work recipient and a National Top Workplace honoree. We are proud of these achievements and honored to be among this prestigious list of companies. Our culture is special. But you can’t just take our word for it...apply today and join the WLG family.  </div>Position Summary: The Trust Accountant is responsible for the accurate management, reconciliation, and compliance of the firm’s client trust accounts (including IOLTA accounts). This role ensures strict adherence to state bar rules, internal controls, and firm policies while supporting attorneys, settlements, and accounting leadership with timely and accurate trust activity reporting. Key Responsibilities:  <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Trust Account Management</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Maintain and monitor all client trust and IOLTA accounts in compliance with applicable state bar regulations.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Record, review, and process trust receipts, disbursements, and transfers related to client settlements and retainers.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ensure client funds are properly segregated and applied to the correct matters.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reconciliations & Compliance</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Perform monthly three way trust reconciliations (bank balance, trust ledger, and individual client balances).</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Investigate and resolve discrepancies promptly, documenting resolution and corrective actions.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prepare trust account documentation for internal reviews, audits, and regulatory inquiries.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Ensure trust activity complies with firm policies, ethical rules, and accounting standards.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Settlements & Disbursements</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Review settlement statements for accuracy prior to trust disbursements.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Coordinate with attorneys, settlements teams, and accounts payable to ensure proper authorization and timing of payments.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Process trust to operating transfers for earned fees and approved expenses.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Reporting & Controls</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Prepare monthly trust reports for management and accounting leadership.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Assist with developing, documenting, and maintaining trust accounting procedures and internal controls.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Support audits, including responding to auditor requests and providing supporting documentation.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Collaboration & Support</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Serve as a subject matter resource for attorneys and staff on trust accounting questions.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Assist with training staff on trust compliance best practices.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Support special projects and process improvements related to trust accounting and client funds.</li> </ul> </ul> Qualifications: <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Education</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Experience</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Minimum 3–5 years of accounting experience, with direct trust accounting experience in a law firm strongly preferred.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hands on experience with IOLTA accounts and three way reconciliations.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Experience supporting audits and compliance reviews.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Technical Skills</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Strong understanding of trust accounting rules and ethical requirements.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Proficiency in accounting systems and legal case management software.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Advanced Excel skills (reconciliations, pivot tables, reporting).</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">High attention to detail and strong analytical skills.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Professional Skills</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Excellent written and verbal communication skills.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">High level of integrity, discretion, and accountability when handling client funds.</li> </ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Preferred Qualifications</li> <ul> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Experience in a multi office or high volume plaintiff or litigation law firm.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">CPA required.</li> <li style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Experience with trust accounting software or legal ERP systems.</li> </ul> </ul> Physical Requirements:   <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Office environment with normal business hours necessary to satisfactorily perform job functions.   </li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Stationary Position – Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 50% of the time.  </li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Move or Traverse – This position needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, meeting rooms, office machinery, etc.  May occasionally ascends/descends the stairs to get to other floors, cafeteria and parking area.</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Dexterity – constantly operates a computer and other office machinery such as a copy machine/printer.  </li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Move, Transport, Position, Put, Install, Remove - Occasionally moves supplies weighing up to 10 pounds for various presentation and event needs. </li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Communicate, Detect, Converse with, Discern, Convey, Express oneself, Exchange information - The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Detect, Determine, Perceive, Identify, Recognize, Judge, Observe, Inspect, Estimate, Assess - The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).</li> </ul> Benefits and Perks: <ul> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Medical, dental, vision</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Company Paid STD (with no waiting period) and LTD Insurance</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Option to purchase additional Life and AD&D Insurance</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Voluntary Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Coverage</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">401(k) with company contributions</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Paid Time Off</li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">10 Company Holidays </li> <li style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tuition Reimbursement</li> </ul><div class="content-conclusion">Please note that this job description is intended to outline the primary duties of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. The job description is subject to change with or without prior notice, and that a reasonable accommodation may be requested to perform the essential functions of the job.  <hr> WLG and its affiliated companies provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. WLG and its affiliated companies participate in E-Verify. For additional information please review the <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf">E-Verify Participation Poster</a> and <a href="https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf">Right to Work Poster</a> from the Department of Homeland Security. </div>

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