Payroll / Accounting Specialist

Payroll / Accounting Specialist

The prestigious law firm of Jennings Strouss & Salmon PLC, is seeking an experienced Payroll / Accounting Specialist for its Phoenix, Arizona office. For more information about our firm, please visit us at www.jsslaw.com. 

Our Hiring Need:

This position reports to the Accounting Manager and has dual performance function. First, it supports the delivery of complex multi-state payroll. Secondly, performs a multitude of general tasks within the accounting department and works collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment. 

Duties/Responsibilities to include, but are not limited to:

Payroll:

•    Utilizing Paychex Flex, set-up and maintain all employee payroll records, including compensation, withholdings, and taxes.

•    Process payroll on a semi-monthly basis for both exempt and non-exempt employees and member’s draws.

•    Accurately prepare and process all payroll journal entries to be entered into the accounting system software in a timely manner.

•    Prepare and process all payroll liability disbursements to be paid by Accounts Payable.

•    Responsible for calculating any off cycle payroll checks.

•    Prepares and distributes payroll reports to COO, CFO and HR Director on a monthly basis.

•    Collaborates with both HR and Accounting to ensure that both firm policies and federal/state laws are being followed. 

•    Prepares annual payroll analysis for audit and reports any discrepancies. 

•    Annually, provide the Accounting Manager with payroll data for budget preparation.

•    Provides any ad hoc reporting throughout the year.

•    Point of contact for both internal and external audits related to payroll. Lead for annual retirement audit. 

Accounting Specialist:

•    Process all client trust account receipts; including wires, cash and credit cards. Establish client trust accounts utilizing the Elite Enterprise accounting software.

•    Process all client and firm trust disbursements per Arizona State Bar rules and regulations and maintain client trust account records.

•    Maintain lawyer trust reports on a monthly basis and receive approval from the lawyer on transactions. Address any discrepancies, and respond to questions regarding client trust accounts.

•    Reconcile several GL accounts, and address any discrepancies. Make proper adjusting entries as needed. 

•    Assist Accounts Receivable during the month. Process all receivables, including wires, ACH credits and credit card payments. Make daily check deposit utilizing remote deposit with banking institution. 

•    Research client and staff inquiries regarding payment applications.

•    Set-up and maintain electronic deposits with clients and maintain records in accordance with firm policy.

Education requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (preferred, but not required).

Experience requirements

• 5+ years of experience in full cycle payroll. Experience with Paychex Flex preferred.
• Strong MS Excel skills.
• Law firm experience is a plus, Elite Enterprise experience is helpful.
• Exceptional attention to detail, as well as excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High level of customer service, including time management and the ability to thrive in a high demand, fast paced environment.