Family Office Accountant

Position: Family Office Accountant

• Family: Confidential
• Location: Santa Barbara, California
• Compensation: $80,000 - $120,000 / year
• Hours: 20 – 40 hrs. / week (in office, dependent on need/cycle)

Overview
We are seeking an experienced Accountant to manage and oversee the accounting and financial operations for a high-net-worth family and their diverse interests. This role is ideal for a candidate with at least 10+ years of experience, preferably as an Accounting Manager or Controller, and who thrives in a dynamic, detail-oriented environment. The position will involve handling all accounting functions for the family, including collaboration with accounting teams from the family’s portfolio companies as needed.

Key Responsibilities
Accounting Operations:

• Manage full-cycle bookkeeping, including accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), and general ledger entries.
• Oversee cash management, including preparing wire transfers and monitoring cash flow across multiple entities.
• Reconcile bank, investment, and credit card accounts regularly.
• Prepare and maintain financial statements for family entities, including trusts, partnerships, and corporations.

Financial Reporting:

• Generate monthly and quarterly financial reports, including investment summaries and personal financial statements.
• Prepare year-end tax packages and collaborate with external tax professionals to ensure compliance.

Collaboration:

• Assist with payroll and expenses for parent or portfolio companies as needed
• Work closely with accounting teams from the family’s portfolio companies to consolidate financial data and ensure consistency.
• Act as a liaison with external service providers, including custodians, banks, and investment managers.

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure all financial records are accurate, properly documented, and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Assist in maintaining a family office handbook, including legal, accounting, and personal information.

Special Projects:

• Support ad hoc financial tasks, including estate planning, philanthropy, and asset management for art, real estate, and other investments.
• Provide concierge-level service to family members as needed.

Qualifications
Experience:

• Minimum of 10+ years in bookkeeping, accounting, or financial management, with at least 5 years in a family office or similar environment;
• Experience as an Accounting Manager or Controller is strongly preferred.
• Experience with payroll

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel;
• Proficiency with QuickBooks (required) and Gusto Payroll (highly preferred);
• Strong understanding of GAAP principles and familiarity with tax regulations.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities;
• Strong discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with integrity;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for professional interactions with family members and external advisors.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPA or Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation.
• Tax experience
• Experience with individual accounting and investment accounting principles.
• Familiarity with property management or real estate accounting.

Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to work closely with a high-net-worth family and contribute to the smooth financial operation of a multifaceted family office. We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and professional development opportunities.
 

***PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT WE ARE NOT PRESENTLY ENGAGING OUTSIDE RECRUITERS OR HEADHUNTERS FOR THIS SEARCH.***

An unsolicited resume submission could inadvertently disqualify a candidate's application. Qualified candidates should apply directly through this portal.

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Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Access

Our people are our greatest asset.

As skilled professionals faced with complex challenges, we value unique and creative ideas that help us grow stronger, smarter, and more adaptable for tomorrow. At Palm Tree, we view inclusion, diversity, equity, and access as critical to achieving excellence and belonging to foster an authentic culture where creative solutions flourish.

We believe that the diversity of our people strengthens our work for clients and the well-being of our company. We recognize the systemic barriers that have limited opportunities, access, and representation for women and minorities in the financial services industry. We are committed to developing a new paradigm to create a diverse and inclusive financial services firm of the future. We actively seek and welcome people of different backgrounds, from culture, experience, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, and age to gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, ability, neurodiversity, political views, veteran status, and more.

Together, we strive to create an environment that values diversity, promotes an inclusive culture, and establishes a profound sense of belonging for each team member.