Accounting Manager - Partner Payroll and Support Services

Job Description:

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