Accounting Manager

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Do you find satisfaction in helping people and making a difference in their lives and the lives of their communities? Laborde Earles is committed to providing quality representation to our clients and being fully attentive to their needs, which starts by providing the same favorable environment for our team members. Join us in standing up for our clients, with our community, by our work, and beside each other!

The Opportunity

Expanding Personal Injury Law Firm has an immediate opening for a Senior Accountant. The Senior Accountant will work closely with our Director of Finance to provide financial and administrative support to our firm and clients. Candidates should reside within a three-hour radius of our Lafayette headquarters and be available for regular travel to Lafayette at least once per month. This role requires strong interpersonal skills where professionalism, confidentiality, and integrity are showcased. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented team player who thrives in a collaborative environment while demonstrating the initiative and accountability to work independently with minimal supervision. Success in this role will also require the ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines to ensure accurate and timely processing of all matters and extraordinary service to our firm leadership and clients.

Objective

The Accounting Manager owns the  general ledger accounting function end to end — from daily transaction integrity through monthly close, all balance sheet and bank reconciliations, and preparation of financial statements and supporting schedules. This role is accountable for the accuracy and timeliness of the firm's books and reports directly to the Director of Finance, who provides review, approval, and strategic direction. The Accounting Manager conducts day-to-day functions with full ownership, which allows the Director of Finance to function in a review and oversight capacity.

This is a hands-on leadership role for an experienced accountant who is comfortable doing technical work personally while building, coaching, and managing a small team.

Desired Outcomes

1. Accountable for General Ledger Ownership.

   • Maintain complete ownership of the firm's general ledger, ensuring the integrity of the chart of accounts, accurate journal entries, and proper account coding across all departments and entities.

   • Execute accurate and timely month-end and year-end close processes in accordance with established deadlines, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they impact financial reporting.

   • Serve as the primary accounting resource for cross-functional departments, providing guidance on general ledger questions, coding, classifications, and accounting treatment while resolving discrepancies efficiently.

2. Accountable for Reconciliations.

   • Ensure all operating, trust, and other firm bank accounts are reconciled accurately each month.

   • Maintain complete and accurate reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts (prepaids, fixed assets/depreciation, accrued liabilities, intercompany, equity, etc.), including appropriate supporting schedules and documentation.

   • Research, resolve, and document reconciling items promptly, escalating material issues to the Director of Finance with recommended solutions.

3. Accountable for Financial Reporting.

   • Prepare complete, accurate, and timely monthly financial statements, including the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and all supporting schedules.

   • Prepare departmental, case-level and key performance indicator (KPI) reports as requested to support business decision-making.

   • Prepare meaningful variance analyses and financial commentary that anticipate leadership questions and provide actionable insights.

4. Accountable for Team Management.

   • Lead, coach, and develop general ledger and staff accountants by assigning work, establishing performance expectations, reviewing work product, and providing ongoing feedback.

   • Partner with the Director of Finance and Human Resources to conduct performance evaluations, address performance concerns, and implement development or corrective action plans when appropriate.

   • Build the technical capabilities and capacity of the accounting team to support the firm's continued growth and evolving financial needs.

5. Accountable for Process, Systems and Controls.

   • Continuously improve accounting processes, month-end close efficiency, documentation standards, and internal controls.

   • Collaborate with IT and Operations to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of NetSuite and integrated financial systems, including interfaces with Litify.

   • Maintain organized, audit-ready financial records and documentation that support internal controls and financial reporting standards.

   • Exercise sound judgment while safeguarding confidential financial information and maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.

6. Accountable for Special Projects.

   • Support financial audits and other external reporting requirements.

   • Lead or contribute to special finance initiatives and strategic projects assigned by the Director of Finance taking ownership from planning through successful completion.

   • Provide support and assistance to accounting team and firm leadership with routine tasks and projects.