Staff Accountant

Introduction:

The California Lawyers Association (CLA) is the Bar association for all California attorneys. We are a member-driven, mission-focused organization dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys practicing in the state of California. CLA houses eighteen, each offering top-tier programs, award winning conferences, events, and provides access to outstanding legal resources. We continuously seek new ways to expand our offerings. Through premier educational and networking opportunities, our members can maintain expertise in their fields, build contacts, and uphold the legal profession and system. CLA also has several initiatives that support its mission of promoting excellence, diversity and inclusion in the legal profession and fairness in the administration of justice and the rule of law. 

We are dedicated to the professional advancement of attorneys from a variety of diverse backgrounds practicing in the state of California. All CLA employees must demonstrate cultural fluency by proactively managing bias and maintaining sensitivity to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, and age of our members and the legal community.

Summary:

Under general supervision of the Finance and Operations Directors, the Staff Accountant is responsible for serving as the liaison between CLA Staff and Accounting on three key areas: payables, receivables, and expense reporting/reimbursements and will work with the external accounting firm on any questions related to these entries.

The Staff Accountant collaborates closely with internal staff, our external accounting firm, and external stakeholders (including members). The Staff Accountant must have a strong attention to detail, possess excellent customer service skills and have a keen ability to problem solve and provide solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Expense Reporting: Review and process expense reimbursement requests, verifying accuracy, policy compliance, including without limitation supporting documentation, and allocate expenses in accordance with CLA policies and procedures.


• Accounts Payable: Review and process vendor invoices for payment accurately and promptly; ensuring proper coding, authorization, and adherence to CLA policies and procedures.

• Accounts Receivable: Track payments on check log; deposit payments and apply to open A/R. Review monthly A/R aging report and communicate with CLA staff open invoices to enable collections.

• Timely response to email inquiries, resolve discrepancies, and reconcile vendor statements. Address payment-related issues and coordinate with appropriate parties to resolve discrepancies.


• Provide support for audits, financial reporting, and tax filings.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve issues and provide exceptional customer service to internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications:

• BS in Accounting, finance or related field, preferred with 2-3 years or relative work experience


• Prior experience in an account payable (vendor onboarding, billing, account reconciliation), receivables (revenue recognition, payment application, AR aging review, accrual-based accounting, and account reconciliation)


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, QuickBooks, or other accounting software or ERP/AMS systems


• Intermediate level of working knowledge of Excel (Pivot tables, Formulas, etc) and proactive enough to learn more


• Carry out the proper procedures to ensure internal controls are being met


• Strong attention to detail, accuracy and analytical skills


• Can manage high volume, participate with month end close responsibilities, and audit


• Prior experience working with non-profit or fund accounting is a plus


• Experience with expense reporting platforms like Concur and Ramp


• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills and a collaborative mindset

• Proactive problem-solver with the ability to research issues and recommend process improvements


• Proven initiative for working independently

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of company and client information

• Skilled at managing multiple priorities and meet deadlines under minimal supervision