Head of Accounts

**Main purposes of role**

To be responsible for the accounts function of the firm, including legal cashier and book keeper of Company accounts.
- Proactively manage the accounts function with the support of the accounts assistant and Directors.
- Liaise with colleagues to support our clients and suppliers as necessary and act as an effective ambassador for the firm.

Ensure the successful development of the firm in line with the strategy indentified in the business plan.

Key tasks (not an exhaustive list)

**Accounts**
- Process a quarterly VAT return.
- Process Monthly Payroll.
- Produce Monthly Management Accounts.
- Perform a weekly bank reconciliation for office and client accounts.
- Oversee the prompt closure of client files.
- Produce monthly bank reconciliations.
- Process and check CHAPS, BACS, Faster Payments and Cheques.
- Liaise with the credit control function re outstanding client invoices.
- Process our purchase ledger system
- Monitor and pay introducer fees upon completion.
- Support with queries from fee earners.
- Produce management reports/information for the Directors.
- Liaise and assist with external accountants for the annual audit.
- Process weekly and monthly payroll.
- Liaise with suppliers and ensure payment of firms invoices in a timely manner.
- Manage completions transactions.
- Input transactions and account movements on the firm’s case management system and update ledgers.
- Provide appropriate, timely, accurate information to clients and suppliers as needed and take account of data protection and SAR regulations/principles.
- Alert other team members to issues of quality and risk if and when noted.

**Financial and Compliance**
- Support the Directors in the monitoring and coordination of Practice finances.
- Keep the Directors informed of all financial matters, as needed and as required.
- Ensure that all information and communications taking place within accounting are managed in line with data protection, Risk Management and SAR.
- Uphold all aspects of Curtis Law Solicitors policies, procedures and legal/compliance requirements in relation to personal conduct, confidentiality and client care.

**Personal Specification**
- Higher level Accounting Qualification AAT Level 3 or relevant experience.
- Financial/Accounting skills e.g. monitoring cash flow, reconciliation, credit management etc.
- Use of Microsoft Office - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook etc. Sage.
- Knowledge of Xero accounting system desirable
- Trustworthy and reliable.
- Ability to work on own initiative, managing high volumes and completing workloads.
- Flexible, innovative approach.
- Payroll Processing experience
- Knowledge and understanding of GDPR and Equality Standards
- Up-to-date with MLRO regulations
- Forward thinking and proactive.
- Responds to opportunities in an enthusiastic manner.

**Desirable Experience/Qualities**
- Business/Management/Supervisory qualification(s).
- Sound working knowledge of SRA/SAR and HMRC requirements and resolving issues.
- Experience of liaison with company Accountants, Auditors and Assessors.
- Experience of use and development of legal case management systems.
- Experience of financial risk management within a legal environment.
- Knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Regulations (SAR)
- Budget monitoring and cost reduction planning.
- Understanding of legal sector financial management.

**Desirable**
- SRA Code of Conduct and SRA Accounts Rules
- Previous experience of working in a law firm
- Previous experience with Proclaim case management software

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

**Salary**: £27,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

- BLACKBURN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Experience**:

- Accounting: 1 year (required)

Work Location: One location