Trust Account Auditor - Minnesota Judicial Branch

Description:

The Office of Lawyers Professional Responsibility located in downtown St. Paul seeks a full-time Trust Account Auditor. The position provides support to the office’s attorneys by conducting financial audits of attorney trust accounts and other accounts where lawyers hold funds in a fiduciary capacity.  This position also provides assistance with case investigations and prosecutions, including drafting legal pleadings, reports, and communications based upon the financial audits.  This position is classified as an Internal Auditor. 

Examples of Job Duties:

• Independently plan and perform comprehensive audits of attorney trust account books and records or other accounts of attorneys holding client funds or funds held in a fiduciary capacity. This may include complex audits involving multiple years and multiple accounts. Identify and define issues, determine research criteria, review and analyze supporting documentation, and perform audit follow-up as required by the books and records requirements set forth in the Minnesota Rules of Professional Conduct.
• Prepare correspondence, memoranda, reports, charges or probation agreements, and any other documents and exhibits that are necessary based on the inventories, reviews, and forensic audits performed.
• Participate in witness and other interviews relevant to the inventories, reviews, and forensic audits performed.
• Testify in attorney discipline proceedings based on the inventories, reviews, and forensic audits performed and coordinate with the assigned litigation paralegal about the necessary trial exhibits and other evidence to be submitted at trial.
• Provide guidance and education regarding maintenance of required trust account records and resolution of trust account issues.
• In collaboration with an assistant director, manage the trust account overdraft notification program established by the Rules, by undertaking trust account inventories, reviews, and limited audits, and all related tasks within that program and maintain and update as necessary the list of Minnesota financial institutions approved to maintain attorney trust accounts.
• Serve as back-up to the Office Administrator for finance and procurement responsibilities for the Office.
• Other duties as assigned and required.

Typical Qualifications:

Below are the past experiences that will enable success in the role.  Any combination of education, training, and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below will be considered.  For the education requirements listed, the equivalent number of years of related experience may serve as a substitute.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field such as paralegal studies. Two years of full-time auditing, investigations, accounts examination or verification, accounting, or compliance and/or other relevant experience or training may be considered in lieu of an accounting or finance degree.
• Minimum two years of audit experience in reviewing and analyzing financial documents, preparing work papers, and drafting audit reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Public Accountant certification (CPA) or Internal Audit certification (CIA)
• Fraud Examiner certification (CFE)
• Significant (7 plus years) audit experience
• Experience with QuickBooks, CLIO, or other law office management programs.
• Trust account recordkeeping and preparation of triple reconciliations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Complete working knowledge of standard office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, word-processing and presentation software, PDF generation programs, video conferencing, and Access.
• Ability to meet specific deadlines on project-based assignments.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple areas of responsibility with minimum supervision, properly prioritizing tasks and duties as dictated by changing demands.
• Accuracy and attention to detail. 

Salary:

The expected starting salary range for external candidates is $31.52-$40.17 per hour ($65,814-$83,875 annually). The full salary range for this position is $31.52-$48.81 per hour ($65,0814-$101,915 annually). This position is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for State of MN employee benefits.

Supplemental Information:

TO APPLY: Complete and submit your online application with resume and cover letter attached; this position will remain open until filled.  Employment offers may be rescinded if the required criminal background check identifies job related convictions.