Operational Accounting Manager

About

Our client, a well-established and highly regarded law firm in Toronto, is seeking an Operational Accounting Manager to oversee the day-to-day accounting operations of the firm. This role is hands-on and operationally focused, with ownership across full-cycle accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and cash management.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives in a detail-oriented environment, enjoys improving processes, and wants to play a key role in ensuring the financial health and efficiency of a professional services organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and perform full-cycle accounting activities, including journal entries, accruals, and general ledger maintenance
• Manage month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Prepare internal financial reports and support external reporting requirements
• Maintain and improve accounting policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Oversee the end-to-end AP function, including invoice processing, approvals, and payments
• Ensure timely and accurate vendor payments and expense processing
• Manage vendor relationships and resolve discrepancies
• Identify opportunities to streamline and automate AP processes
• Oversee client billing processes, including review of invoices for accuracy and compliance with firm policies
• Monitor accounts receivable aging and drive collections efforts
• Work closely with legal professionals to resolve billing issues and improve collection cycles
• Implement best practices to optimize cash flow and reduce outstanding receivables
• Manage daily cash flow, including monitoring bank balances and forecasting liquidity needs
• Oversee trust and general account transactions in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Perform bank reconciliations and ensure accuracy of all cash-related transactions
• Liaise with banking partners as required
• Supervise and mentor junior accounting staff
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Support system upgrades, implementations, or optimizations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, administrative, and leadership teams

Qualifications

• CPA designation an asset
• 5+ years of progressive accounting experience, ideally within a law firm or professional services environment
• Strong understanding of full-cycle accounting, AP, AR, and cash management
• Experience with legal billing systems and trust accounting is a strong asset
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with ERP/accounting systems
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work closely with non-finance stakeholders

Why This Role

• High-impact role with visibility across the firm
• Opportunity to improve and shape accounting processes
• Stable, professional environment with a collaborative culture
• Competitive compensation and benefits