Settlement Accounting Manager

Overview

The Settlement Accounting Manager oversees settlement-related accounting activities to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant financial processing of settlements. This role leads the settlement accounting team, manages complex financial workflows, and partners with Legal, Operations, and Finance to support firm-wide settlement processes and reporting.

This is a full-time remote-eligible position with a preference for candidates based in San Diego, CA.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the settlement accounting function to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across settlement processes.
• Oversee the recording, reconciliation, and disbursement of settlement funds in accordance with firm policies and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain internal controls and accounting procedures related to settlements.
• Serve as a liaison between Accounting, Legal, Settlement Administration, and external stakeholders.
• Drive the use of AI and automation tools, including Microsoft Copilot, Cowork, and Power Automate, to streamline processes, reduce manual work, and improve efficiency.

Specific Tasks

• Manage day-to-day operations of the settlement accounting team, including workload distribution, training, and performance management.
• Review and approve settlement calculations, allocations, and disbursements.
• Ensure timely and accurate reconciliation of trust and settlement accounts.
• Monitor compliance with client trust accounting rules, internal policies, and applicable regulations.
• Prepare and review settlement-related journal entries, reports, and financial schedules.
• Assist with audits, internal reviews, and responses to inquiries related to settlement accounting.
• Identify process improvement opportunities and implement efficiencies within settlement accounting workflows.
• Support leadership with financial analysis and reporting related to settlements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field required.
• 5+ years of accounting experience, with significant exposure to settlement accounting, trust accounting, or similar complex financial environments.
• Prior people management or team lead experience required.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and reconciliation processes.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Proficiency with accounting systems and Excel; experience with legal or settlement management systems preferred.
• Process-oriented and strong analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Law firm experience.

Competencies (as described)

• Performance & Contributions: Consistently delivers quality results and meets or exceeds job requirements.
• Collaboration & Communication: Works effectively with colleagues and communicates clearly.
• Initiative: Proactively takes action to achieve results.
• Professional Growth & Development: Demonstrates ongoing professional growth and seeks opportunities for development.
• Team Performance & Cohesion: Builds a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Training & Process Improvement: Trains a team and individual employees and continually improves processes and performance.
• Overall Leadership Performance: Strong leadership performance, including administrative responsibilities to manage the team (approving time off requests/timecards, ensuring compliance trainings are completed, conducting 90 day and annual evaluations).

Additional Information

• This role may require handling sensitive financial information and meeting strict deadlines tied to settlement schedules.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 annually.
• Actual salaries may vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, and qualifications for the role.

Benefits include:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• $50,000 in life insurance provided at no cost.
• 401(k) plan with 6% dollar-for-dollar employer match after probationary period.
• Generous paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or fostering.
• Dependent care reimbursement up to $3,500/month.
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Up to $5,000 infertility treatment reimbursement.
• Up to $5,250/year in tuition reimbursement for professional development.
• Monthly commuter reimbursement up to $100 for public transportation.
• Home office reimbursement: $150 for a desk and $150 for a chair (one-time).
• $25 work-from-home allowance each pay period for hybrid and remote staff.
• State bar and approved professional association dues covered.
• $30 Grubhub lunch credit every first Friday of the month.
• Community engagement support: matching donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and encouragement of volunteer time.

Location

San Diego HQ – San Diego, CA. Full-time remote-eligible position with a preference for candidates based in San Diego, CA.