Accounting for Law Firms – How an Accountant Can Help

While your expertise as a lawyer lies in arguing cases and interpreting legislation, managing your law firm’s accounting processes is a completely different matter. 

The good news? 

The right accountants have experience putting accounting systems for law firms in place to help your business.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore the specific financial challenges law firms face and highlight the transformative role a proficient accountant can play in accounting for law firms.

What Is Accounting for Law Firms?

Accounting for law firms involves managing and recording all financial transactions related to the practice, including  

• Client billings
• Expense tracking
• Payroll management
• Financial reporting and analysis

The operating nature of law firms stands apart from other business types, so the accounting required also differs. 

What is law accounting?

It includes 

1. Managing client trust accounts. 
2. Navigating various payment structures, like contingent fees.
3. Employing different billing structures, from hourly rates to retainers. 
4. Adhering to the legal industry’s stringent regulations concerning financial management. 

What Are Some Challenges of Law Firm Accounting?

Client Trust Accounts

Law firms routinely handle funds on behalf of their clients in trust accounts.

So they must manage not only their own business funds but also significant amounts belonging to their clients. 

Any discrepancies in client trust accounts can lead to severe legal and ethical implications, so these accounts require meticulous management.

Contingent Fees

In the legal world, it’s not uncommon for firms to adopt a ‘no win, no fee’ approach.

These contingent fees mean the law firm will only receive payment if they secure a win for their client. 

This arrangement can benefit clients who might not have the initial funds for legal representation, but it complicates the accounting process.

Revenue projections become more complex, and the firm must maintain reliable tracking mechanisms to correctly bill upon case conclusion.

Complex Billing Structures

Billing in a law firm is rarely a one-size-fits-all affair.

Depending on the nature of the case and the agreement with the client, billing can be hourly, based on a fixed retainer, or a combination of both.

These diverse billing structures demand precise record-keeping for accurate invoicing and revenue recognition.

Regulatory Compliance

The legal sector in Australia operates under a specific set of financial regulations, making compliance a top priority.

These regulations guide how firms manage their finances, report earnings, and handle client funds. 

Adherence isn’t just about avoiding penalties; it’s also about upholding the firm’s reputation in a highly scrutinised industry.

How Can Accountants Support Law Firms?

Help You Set Up Accounting Software 

An efficient accounting software solution isn’t a luxury; it’s essential.

Accounting software for law firms can streamline your business’s financial tasks, enhance billing accuracy, and simplify compliance with industry-specific regulations.

Experienced accountants bring a wealth of experience in selecting the best accounting software for law firms to align with your business’s size, needs, and operations.

They can then customise the software features to help you extract the maximum value from your software and financial data.

Such customisation includes automated invoicing, integration with time-tracking tools, and tailored financial reports. 

Submit Tax Returns and Offer Tax Planning

Tax season can be overwhelming for business owners.

Accountants play an instrumental role during this period by preparing and submitting precise and timely tax returns.

They gather all necessary financial data, apply relevant deductions and credits, and navigate the complex tax codes specific to the legal profession. 

With this guidance, your law firm can have confidence its returns are compliant, minimising the risk of penalties or audits while capitalising on any available tax advantages.

Accountants also offer year-round tax strategies beyond compliance, such as 

• Structuring financial transactions more advantageously.
• Taking advantage of available deductions and credits.
• Guiding the impact of new tax regulations on your firm’s bottom line.

Monitor Client Trust Accounts

Trust accounts represent one of the most sensitive aspects of law firm finances.

Accountants manage these accounts impeccably to eliminate possible errors or misuse.

Such management includes setting up automated systems to alert for potential anomalies, reconciling accounts regularly, and checking that withdrawals match the approved client invoices. 

Optimise Billing Processes

Inefficient billing can be a silent cash flow killer for law firms. 

An accountant’s role is to identify bottlenecks, whether it’s in the invoicing, collection, or dispute resolution process.

They will employ up-to-date tools and best practices to send bills promptly, systematically perform follow-ups, and proactively address any issues for improved revenue realisation.

Streamline Payroll

The intricacies of payroll can pose challenges, especially with varying pay scales, bonuses, and benefits common in law firms. 

Accountants bring structure and efficiency to these processes.

They automate routine tasks using advanced payroll software and tools, reducing the possibility of manual errors.

By correctly managing salary computations, benefits, deductions, and reimbursements, accountants offload a significant administrative burden from your firm. 

This precision in payroll promotes employee satisfaction and keeps your firm compliant with wage regulations and tax obligations.

Provide Financial Forecasting

Financial stability in the legal profession requires looking beyond the immediate horizon. 

Accountants can synthesise data from past cases, work in progress, and industry trends to provide realistic financial projections.

This predictive insight will help your firm anticipate cash flow needs, adjust its strategies, and make informed decisions about investments and expenditures.

Ensure Regulatory Compliance

The maze of financial regulations governing law firms in Australia is intricate. 

Expert accountants can steer your firm through this maze, helping you meet all reporting obligations, appropriately handle client monies, and adhere to industry-specific financial regulations.

This proactive approach prevents costly penalties and safeguards your firm’s reputation.

Assist in Audits and Financial Reviews

Audits can be daunting.

The expertise of accountants can turn a stressful audit process into a routine review, ensuring transparency, compliance, and peace of mind.

The right accountants will prepare your firm by maintaining impeccable records and accurate financial statements and addressing potential red flags well in advance. 

Does Your Law Firm Need Accounting Support?

Accounting for law firms requires a seasoned touch and an informed approach.

We offer both here at Pherrus.

Our expert team is made up of consultants, agents, accountants, and legal experts.

They’ll bring clarity and efficiency to your firm’s finances, setting it on a path of strong financial health and future growth.

Take the next step towards getting accounting help for your law firm today.

Fill in our online form or call +61 (02) 9099 9109 to book an appointment at our Bella Vista office in Sydney, NSW.