Trust Clerk jobs in Newark, NJ

Description

Located in Roseland, NJ, MS&B is a law firm focused on NJ serving both governmental and private sector clients. Our firm practices in the areas of public finance, redevelopment, land use, litigation, alternative dispute resolution, restructuring and bankruptcy, among others. Founded in 1971, the firm brings a unique ability to bridge both public and private sectors. 

Job Description (Trust Administrator): 

• Manage the on-going day to day and annual trust administration for escrow, retainer and IOTLA activities. 
• Ensure compliance with statute 121-6 when prepping client trust files and release and receipt of all trust funds. Coordinate all approvals in a timely fashion. Collaborate and engage all attorneys and staff to ensure that the administration is completed timely and recorded accurately. 
• Prepare and obtain authorization for bank and trust wires functions. Maintain accurate record keeping and file maintenance. Ensure all trust receipts/deposits are accompanied with complete documentation and signatures. Assist in the preparation of all receipt and disbursements as needed. 
• Respond to attorneys’ trust needs and engage attorneys, support staff and clients to ensure trust activities are completed. Obtain attorney authorizations under all circumstances. 
• Coordinate monthly retainer draw-downs with Billers/Attorneys as needed.
• Maintain 3-way trust reconciliation and oversee check clearing and aging of trust accounts. Coordinate clearing of trust checks to ensure they don’t age-out.   
• Adhere to policies set forth with managing inactive trust balances. 
• Maintain client trust records in an organized manner and ensure all year end processes and registrations are completed. 
• Manage quarterly escheatment processes and annual IOTLA registration.
• Collaborate with Controller and share updates to any open trust account issues on an on-going basis. 

Job Description (General Ledger Accounting Assistant):

• Perform bank reconciliations in timely manner and ensure reconciliation differences are identified and resolved. Coordinate resolution with other team members and elevate issues as needed. 
• Perform account and ad hoc analysis on all GL account codes. Verify that charges are appropriate and coded properly. Trace transactions to original point of entry and if necessary, engage team members when clarification is needed. 
•  Propose GL correcting entries for miscodings and ensure adjustments are prepared correctly and timely.
•  During peak demands/scheduled absences of other team members, will be called to assist other functions for back-up purposes such as accounts payable and cash application/banking. 
• Participate in year-end financial reporting processes as required (trust and account analysis) for year-end audit or state audits.

Requirements

• Must have exceptional understanding of record keeping and accounting bookkeeping. Attention to detail a must. Takes the time to review their own work for accuracy prior to completing efforts.  
• Team player and willingness to learn other aspects of accounting. Takes ownership of their function and supports others within their team. 
• Experience with cash application/disbursement modules and online banking features.  
• Critical thinker who produces accurate, quality, and timely results with minimal supervision. Elevates issues when necessary. 
• Experience with professional accounting software (SurePoint preferred) and a desire to learn new ways to build improved efficiencies. Adaptable and flexible nature.  
• Possess aptitude and willingness to learn and add value. Perform special projects on an as needed basis. 
• Knowledge of trust accounting and understanding of compliance needs.   
• Excellent computer proficiency and talent for using new apps/software/systems Intermediate skills in MS Excel and Word.  
• Exceptional communication skills (oral and written). You will be interfacing with every member of our community including attorneys and clients.   

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:  At MS&B, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging have always been an essential part of who we are. We are dedicated to fostering, maintaining, and expanding a diverse and inclusive workplace. We recruit and cultivate exceptional candidates to create a high-quality team. Building upon our long-standing commitment to hiring and mentoring women and people of color, we make a conscious effort to retain and strengthen a workplace comprised of all races, ethnicities, religions and beliefs, national origins, socio-economic, marital, military, and veteran statuses, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, languages, disabilities, medical conditions, and family structures. We value each of our individual differences, experiences and perspectives as an asset that forges stronger relationships, enhances the quality of life for each of us, and enables MS&B to best represent our clients and the communities we serve.

Education: Bachelor’s or Associates degree preferred. Candidate with 2-5 years relevant bookkeeping or work experience will be considered. Legal field experience a must.