Payroll & Trust Accountant

Payroll & Trust Accountant - New York, NY Job Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll & Trust Accountant to join our finance team. This is a specialized role that requires a high level of discretion and accuracy. The Payroll & Trust Accountant will be responsible for the full-cycle payroll process, the management of specialized fiduciary accounts (IOLA/Escrow), and the execution of partner compensation transactions.

• Payroll Administration:
  Manage and process full-cycle payroll for all employees; maintain employee records, ensuring accurate tax compliance and benefit deductions; serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related inquiries.
• IOLA & Escrow Management:
  Oversee the lifecycle of IOLA and Escrow funds, ensuring strict adherence to regulatory requirements for all deposits and disbursements; ensure proper documentation and “paper trails” for every movement of trust funds; perform regular reconciliations to ensure ledger balances match bank statements.
• Partner Compensation & Draws:
  Oversee the calculation and payment of partner draws; execute all associated transactions and ensure all supporting paperwork and tax documentation are filed correctly; maintain strict confidentiality regarding partner financial information.
• General Ledger & Reporting:
  Prepare, verify, and post journal entries to the General Ledger; assist in month-end and year-end closing processes; collaborate with the Controller to ensure the integrity of the firm’s financial data.

• Technical Expertise:
  Experience with Paylocity is highly preferred; proficiency in other major payroll platforms (ADP, Gusto, Workday) is acceptable.
• Fiduciary Knowledge:
  Prior experience managing IOLA/Escrow accounts within a legal environment is a significant plus.
• Accounting Core: A solid understanding of the basics of accounting principles.
• The “Soft” Stuff:
  High emotional intelligence and discretion. You’ll be handling sensitive financial data for both the firm and its partners.
• Organization: A love for organized paperwork and digital filing systems.

• 3–5 years of accounting or payroll experience.
• Experience in a law firm or professional services setting.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel (VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables are your friends).