THE TEAM, CLIENTS AND WORK
Due to the firm’s continued growth, we are now recruiting for a Legal Accounts Assistant to expand our already well-established Finance Team. Previous experience in an accounts function would be an advantage, but we would consider candidates with administrative experience gained in a similar environment.
You will play a crucial role in supporting our finance team and our wider firm with daily cashiering tasks ensuring all transactions and activities adhere to internal processes and are processed in line with the SRA Accounts Rules. We are committed to professional development and will provide the necessary training through relevant external training providers where required.
The team currently comprises a Finance Director, Finance Manager, Credit Controller, Accounts Supervisor, a Senior Accounts Assistant and an Accounts Assistant who support our Fee Earners and the wider firm with the day-to-day management of client and business accounts, billing, financial transactions, regulatory compliance, credit control, reporting and the delivery of an efficient and professional finance service.
THE POST AND CANDIDATE
To provide an efficient and accurate legal cashiering service, ensuring compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, and the firm's financial procedures. The role is responsible for the processing and reconciliation of client and business account transactions, supporting the accounts team and wider business in maintaining effective financial controls.
The main duties
- Processing client account and business account transactions accurately and promptly in line with the SRA Accounts Rules, to include but not limited to:
- Receiving and recording client monies in client ledgers
- Inputting, verifying, authorising and processing electronic payments, including Faster Payments, CHAPS and BACS transactions
- Monitoring client account balances and reporting any irregularities
- Ensuring residual client balances are identified and dealt with appropriately
- Processing business account receipts and payments
- Recording purchase ledger invoices and expense claims
- Preparing cheque payments where required
- Performing regular reconciliations of client and business bank accounts
- Investigating and resolving reconciliation discrepancies promptly
- Maintaining accurate reconciliation records for audit purposes
- Adhering to the firm's Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Fraud procedures
- Identifying and reporting potential breaches, irregularities or suspicious transactions to the appropriate manager
- Assisting fee earners with billing
- Supporting the production and processing of bills
- Reviewing ledger balances prior to billing and account closure
- Carry out any other duties as reasonably requested by the Accounts Supervisor
What we’re looking for:
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Understanding of the SRA Accounts Rules
- Experience of bank reconciliations and the processing of client and business account transactions
- Exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
We anticipate this post to fulfil 35 hours per week, and we welcome applications from candidates wishing to discuss flexible working patterns.
About Leathes Prior
Leathes Prior is a full-service law firm and has four offices in a superb central Norwich location, one in the centre of Tombland and three within the Cathedral Close, with a fifth small office hub in Ipswich. Whilst being a traditional law firm (established 150 years ago), we have a very modern approach to our work, people, and culture. We currently have circa 130 employees.
We pride ourselves on our success at supporting and developing our employees on their chosen career path, actively encouraging progression through the ranks for the mutual benefit of our clients and our employees.
Pay: Up to £28,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free flu jabs
- Free or subsidised travel
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Paid volunteer time
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
