Accounting Lead

About Berry Law: Berry Law is more than a law firm—we are a mission-driven organization committed to protecting constitutional rights and helping Veterans secure the benefits they deserve. Founded in 1965, we serve clients in all 50 states and continue to grow with purpose, integrity, and excellence. 

Position Summary: The Accounting Lead serves as the operational leader of Berry Law's billing and accounting functions, bridging the CFO and Billing Specialists to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient financial operations. The Accounting Lead ensures the business office operates with precision, accountability, and responsiveness to attorney and client needs. 

Core Responsibilities: 

Business Office Leadership & Coordination 

• Prioritize and manage the day-to-day work of Billing Specialists to ensure timely completion of AR, AP, trust accounting, and reconciliation tasks 

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Billing Specialists on operational questions, process clarifications, and workflow coordination 

• Monitor workload distribution and adjust assignments to maintain efficiency and meet deadlines 

• Conduct regular check-ins with Billing Specialists to provide guidance, feedback, and support 

• Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the team 

• Escalate complex issues, staffing concerns, or process breakdowns to the CFO 

Attorney Point-of-Contact 

• Collaborate with section heads and attorneys to resolve billing discrepancies or procedural questions 

• Provide responsive support to attorneys on billing status, fee collections, and client account inquiries 

• Identify and address recurring billing issues or process gaps 

Trust Accounting & Compliance 

• Ensure client funds are not comingled with the Firm's operating funds and that the Firm's operating funds are not comingled with client funds in trust 

• Oversee prompt deposit and disbursement of client funds to/from the trust account, as applicable 

• Prepare outbound ACH and wire settlement disbursements from the trust account to clients for the CFO’s review and approval.  

• Maintain detailed records of trust account transactions and ensure audit readiness 

• Ensure compliance with billing practices approved by attorney section heads 

• Prepare monthly triple-reconciliations for each trust account and distribute to CFO and attorneys.  

Accounts Payable  

• Ensure accurate coding, proper approvals, and timely payment of AP obligations 

• Monitor AP workflows for compliance with Firm policies and internal controls 

• Collaborate with departmental leaders on invoice approvals and disputes 

• Schedule payment of approved invoices 

Accounts Receivable & Collections Support 

• Troubleshoot system and accounting issues that impact Client Experience and Billing Specialist efforts to follow up with Veterans on unpaid accounts 

• Monitor payment application accuracy and ensure proper posting in Filevine and QuickBooks Online 

• Promptly resolve overpayments, unidentified payments, and stagnant funds in trust 

Internal Controls & Compliance Support 

• Support the CFO in establishing and enforcing internal controls necessary to prevent fraud or misappropriation of funds 

• Maintain awareness of segregation of duties and dual-control principles 

• Monitor compliance with check signing policies, ACH authorization policies, and wire transfer procedures 

Financial Operations & Reporting Support 

• Oversee daily reconciliation of operating and trust bank accounts 

• Prepare ad hoc financial reports and analysis as requested by the CFO 

• Maintain accurate financial records using modified cash basis accounting principles 

• Support month-end close processes and ensure financial records are accurate and current 

• Prepare monthly reporting package, including supporting workpapers/reconciliations for each balance sheet account. 

• Identify and resolve reconciliation discrepancies in coordination with the CFO 

• Assist the CFO with special projects, process improvements, and system implementations 

Qualifications: 

• Six or more years of combined education and/or experience in accounting 

• Minimum two years of experience in a professional services or legal environment 

• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience coordinating or mentoring team members 

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, complex formulas, data analysis) 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word 

• Strong understanding of accounting fundamentals (debits/credits, reconciliations, financial statements) 

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a high-volume environment 

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Ability to effectively communicate financial information to attorneys and stakeholders 

• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information 

Preferred 

• Experience with QuickBooks Online and Bill.com 

• Experience with Filevine or other legal practice management software 

• Familiarity with trust accounting rules and compliance requirements 

• Experience in a supervisory or lead role 

• Knowledge of legal billing practices and regulations 

• Experience supporting audits or preparing audit documentation 

Be a Part of a Winning Team:

• Recognized by Inc. Magazine's 5000 fastest-growing companies for six consecutive years, Law Firm 500 for five years in a row, Inc.'s 2023 Best in Business for Veteran Support, Department of Labor Hire Vets award, and the Secretary of Defense Pro-Patria award.
• 2023 Military Times Best for Vets: Employers List
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays

Berry Law is an equal opportunity employer.