Accounting Manager - Partner Payroll and Support Services

Perkins Coie LLP is seeking a qualified and dynamic individual to join our team as an Accounting Manager supporting our Partner Payroll and Support Services efforts. This leadership role manages accounting and payroll tax compliance for partners and professional corporations, oversees partner capital obligations and loan payments, and coordinates Foundation audits and contributions. The Accounting Manager leads tax information gathering, supervises staff, drives process improvements, and acts as a primary backup for partner payroll processing. The ideal candidate brings advanced technical accounting expertise, strong leadership, and a strategic focus on process optimization and risk management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Team Leadership & Supervision:Supervise, mentor, and develop staff supporting partner payroll, professional corporations, and Foundation activities. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner Payroll Oversight & Backup:Manage all aspects of partner payroll processing, including accuracy, compliance, and timeliness. Serve as the primary backup to partner payroll functions, ensuring business continuity and knowledge transfer.
• Professional Corporation Accounting:Perform and oversee full-cycle accounting for multiple professional corporation entities, including journal entries, monthly close, reconciliations, and review and approval of accounting work.
• Payroll Tax Compliance:Direct preparation, review, and filing of all payroll tax returns, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. Resolve complex tax issues and consult with external advisors as needed.
• Tax Information Management:Lead the collection and management of tax data and documentation for professional corporations to support tax filings and respond to auditor and regulatory requests.
• Reconciliation & Issue Resolution:Oversee investigation and resolution of variance issues across payroll, tax, and general ledger accounts. Implement improved processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Partner Capital Obligation Calculation and Collection:Calculate partner capital requirements in accordance with firm policies; communicate obligations to partners; coordinate and track the collection process to ensure timely compliance and accurate accounting.
• Partner Capital Loan Payment Coordination:Serve as liaison with external banking partners to facilitate, monitor, and reconcile partner capital loan payments, ensuring accurate recording, timely payment, and compliance with firm agreements.
• Foundation Contribution Calculation & Payment Coordination:Calculate the Foundation's contribution requirements, coordinate payments, and maintain supporting documentation for audit, compliance, and reporting purposes.
• Foundation Audit Management:Serve as the main contact for the Perkins Coie Foundation audit; prepare schedules, gather documentation, and coordinate with auditors for a successful and timely process.
• Process Improvement & Project Management:Champion best practices, lead initiatives for increased efficiency and accuracy, participate in automation and technology projects, and contribute to department strategy and planning.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders-including tax advisors, bank contacts, and Foundation staff-to ensure seamless service delivery and resolve issues.
• Strategic Initiatives:Participate in strategic planning for the Partner Payroll and Entity Accounting functions; identify opportunities for efficiency, risk mitigation, and enhanced service delivery.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

Technical/Professional Skills

• Thorough knowledge of standard general ledger processes and procedures.
• Fluent in MS Office applications and standard computerized accounting systems.
• Ability to apply accounting and tax regulations and guidelines to standard and non-standard situations.
• Ability to apply common sense to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and address problems involving several variables.

Communication Skills

• Ability to express self effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of firm personnel.
• Ability to respond to questions in a timely manner and convey difficult information with clarity and professionalism.

Organizational/Analytical Skills

• Strong attention to detail.
• Solid organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Perform well under pressures of heavy volumes and requests and execute assignments.

Interpersonal/Leadership Skills

• Ability to work effectively across cultures and remote teams.
• Strong ethical judgment and integrity.
• Change management skills.
• Project management skills.

Preferred/Additional Skills

• Elite 3E (legal/accounting software).
• Legal industry experience.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field; CPA or progress toward CPA preferred.
• Seven-plus years of relevant accounting experience, with at least two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity, preferably in a professional services or law firm environment.
• Advanced knowledge of payroll tax regulations, professional corporation accounting.
• Demonstrated experience with complex reconciliations, process improvement, and project management.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and experience with accounting/payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, or similar).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals.

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here.

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

Colorado compensation range: $117,740 to $183,860 annually

Illinois compensation range: $124,260 to $194,040 annually

Washington state compensation range: $124,200 to $193,940 annually

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