Job Summary

The Elite Job is seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented Virtual Controller – Law Firm Trust (IOLTA) Specialist to oversee and manage the financial operations of law firms with a specific focus on Interest on Lawyers Trust Accounts (IOLTA) compliance and trust accounting. This role is ideal for a finance professional who understands the unique regulatory and ethical requirements of legal accounting and is capable of maintaining strict financial controls in a remote environment.

The Virtual Controller will be responsible for supervising trust account management, ensuring compliance with legal accounting standards, maintaining accurate financial reporting, and guiding internal accounting teams. The successful candidate will work closely with attorneys, partners, and administrative staff to maintain transparency, accuracy, and compliance in all financial matters.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee and manage law firm trust accounting, including IOLTA and client trust accounts.

Ensure compliance with state bar regulations and legal accounting standards.

Perform three-way trust reconciliations (client ledger, trust bank statement, and trust account balance).

Supervise month-end and year-end financial close processes.

Prepare and review financial statements, management reports, and budgeting forecasts.

Monitor cash flow and maintain proper segregation of client and operational funds.

Implement and maintain internal controls to protect client trust funds.

Provide strategic financial guidance to firm partners and leadership.

Coordinate with external auditors, tax professionals, and regulatory authorities.

Train and mentor accounting staff on best practices in legal accounting and trust compliance.

Evaluate and improve accounting systems and workflows for efficiency and compliance.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), or equivalent certification preferred.

Strong understanding of law firm accounting practices and trust account management.

Expertise in accounting software such as QuickBooks, Clio, LeanLaw, or similar legal accounting platforms.

Exceptional attention to detail and high standards of financial accuracy.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.

Experience

Minimum 5–8 years of accounting or financial management experience.

At least 3–5 years working with law firms or legal industry accounting, particularly with IOLTA trust accounts.

Experience managing financial operations, reconciliations, and compliance within professional service organizations.

Prior experience in a Controller, Senior Accountant, or Financial Manager role preferred.

Working Hours

Fully remote, work-from-home position.

Standard Monday to Friday schedule, with flexible working hours depending on client needs.

Occasional extended hours may be required during month-end or audit periods.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Deep knowledge of IOLTA compliance and trust account reconciliation procedures.

Ability to interpret financial regulations and apply them accurately.

Strong leadership and team management capabilities.

High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential financial information.

Proficiency in financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.

Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and cloud-based accounting tools.

Ability to adapt to evolving regulatory and compliance requirements.

Benefits

Competitive remote salary package.

Flexible work-from-home environment.

Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Exposure to high-level financial strategy and advisory roles.

Paid time off and performance-based incentives.

Continuous learning and training opportunities in legal finance and compliance.

Why Join

At The Elite Job, we believe in empowering professionals to work remotely while contributing to meaningful and specialized financial roles. Joining our team means working with dynamic legal professionals and helping maintain the financial integrity of law firms through expert trust accounting oversight. You will have the opportunity to apply your expertise in a niche and highly respected area of financial management while enjoying the flexibility of a remote career.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the following:

Updated Resume / CV

Cover Letter highlighting experience with law firm accounting and IOLTA trust accounts

Relevant certifications and professional references

Applications can be submitted through our official recruitment portal or company career page. Qualified candidates will be contacted for further evaluation and interview scheduling.