Trust Accountant

We are looking for an experienced Trust Accountant to join a legal organization in Walnut Creek, California in a contract capacity with the potential to become permanent. This position supports the firm’s finance operations by managing trust accounting activities, maintaining compliance with state-specific requirements, and partnering with attorneys and internal accounting teams across a high-volume environment.

About the role

The ideal candidate brings strong accounting knowledge, sound judgment, and the ability to handle detailed financial transactions with accuracy and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Monitor trust account activity to ensure handling practices align with applicable state rules and internal financial standards.
• Apply incoming funds to the appropriate trust accounts, and carry out settlements and refunds based on attorney direction.
• Move approved balances to operating accounts to cover receivables, vendor obligations, and related payments.
• Prepare and post matter-level journal entries in the accounting system to maintain complete and accurate transaction records.
• Review aged and outstanding checks, investigate discrepancies, and support timely resolution of unreconciled items.
• Produce trust balance reports, financial summaries, and ad hoc analyses requested by attorneys or leadership.
• Perform bank reconciliations, clear open items, and maintain accurate trust account balances.
• Partner with Accounts Payable, Collections, General Ledger, and Cash Receipts teams to support coordinated financial processing.
• Contribute to trust accounting initiatives, including control improvements, procedure enhancements, 1099 preparation, and other assigned projects.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of accounting experience, preferably within a law firm or other services setting.
• Background in trust accounting or closely related financial work, with a solid understanding of transaction control and compliance.
• Hands-on experience preparing journal entries and working across general ledger functions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to process financial activity accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work with attorneys, clients, and internal teams across multiple locations.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, adapt quickly to changing demands, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, along with comfort using accounting software.
• Accounting training, coursework, or equivalent practical experience in finance or bookkeeping.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance.
• Eligibility to enroll in the company 401(k) plan.