Accounting Specialist
Direct Counsel, Oakland, CA, United States
Accounting Specialist
Direct Counsel is seeking an experienced Accounting Specialist to support a dynamic and fast-paced professional services environment. This role partners closely with firm leadership and the accounting team to ensure the accurate and efficient execution of payroll and accounts payable functions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion while maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll
Process semi-monthly and off-cycle payroll using the firm's HRIS system (e.g., Dayforce), ensuring accuracy in compensation and deductions
Review and validate timesheets prior to payroll processing
Administer wage garnishments, levies, and other court-ordered payments in compliance with applicable regulations
Maintain and update employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and status changes
Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, including benefit deductions and withholding issues
Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and timeliness
Prepare and deliver monthly payroll reports to senior leadership
Ensure compliance with internal controls and maintain strict confidentiality of employee information
Accounts Payable
Process daily accounts payable transactions, including vendor invoice review and payment execution
Set up and maintain vendor records
Review and reconcile employee expense reports and corporate credit card statements in accordance with firm policies
Prepare checks and coordinate approvals for vendor payments, including trust-related disbursements
Support month-end and year-end close processes with accuracy and timeliness
Additional Responsibilities
Maintain organized financial records and documentation
Collaborate cross-functionally with accounting, HR, and operations teams
Perform other accounting and finance-related duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll and accounts payable
Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
Familiarity with accounting and HRIS systems (e.g., Dayforce, SurePoint preferred)
Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
What We're Looking For
A collaborative team player who works effectively across all levels of an organization
Highly organized with strong problem-solving capabilities
Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high-quality work standards under pressure
The hourly pay range for this position is $43.94 $52.88, depending on experience, qualifications, and skill set.
Direct Counsel is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.
Direct Counsel is seeking an experienced Accounting Specialist to support a dynamic and fast-paced professional services environment. This role partners closely with firm leadership and the accounting team to ensure the accurate and efficient execution of payroll and accounts payable functions. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly organized, and capable of managing sensitive information with discretion while maintaining accuracy under tight deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll
Process semi-monthly and off-cycle payroll using the firm's HRIS system (e.g., Dayforce), ensuring accuracy in compensation and deductions
Review and validate timesheets prior to payroll processing
Administer wage garnishments, levies, and other court-ordered payments in compliance with applicable regulations
Maintain and update employee payroll records, including new hires, terminations, and status changes
Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies, including benefit deductions and withholding issues
Respond to employee payroll inquiries with professionalism and timeliness
Prepare and deliver monthly payroll reports to senior leadership
Ensure compliance with internal controls and maintain strict confidentiality of employee information
Accounts Payable
Process daily accounts payable transactions, including vendor invoice review and payment execution
Set up and maintain vendor records
Review and reconcile employee expense reports and corporate credit card statements in accordance with firm policies
Prepare checks and coordinate approvals for vendor payments, including trust-related disbursements
Support month-end and year-end close processes with accuracy and timeliness
Additional Responsibilities
Maintain organized financial records and documentation
Collaborate cross-functionally with accounting, HR, and operations teams
Perform other accounting and finance-related duties as assigned
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in payroll and accounts payable
Experience in a law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred
Familiarity with accounting and HRIS systems (e.g., Dayforce, SurePoint preferred)
Strong understanding of payroll regulations and compliance requirements
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
What We're Looking For
A collaborative team player who works effectively across all levels of an organization
Highly organized with strong problem-solving capabilities
Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high-quality work standards under pressure
The hourly pay range for this position is $43.94 $52.88, depending on experience, qualifications, and skill set.
Direct Counsel is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable laws.