CLIENT ACCOUNTING MANAGER - SWINDON

(LAW FIRM)

SALARY 30-35K DOE + EXCELLENT BENEFITS

A leading firm of solicitors with several offices, but main base in Swindon, are looking to identify a full time Client Accounting Manager, who will be reporting directly to the Finance Director.

 

This individual has overall responsibility for the Cashiers & Credit Control team (currently 11) who are combined into the client accounting (CA) team.  The role will involve the management, review and improvement of the processes and procedures of the firms cash, WIP/time and credit control operations.  As a high profile role within the firm, a key aspect will be to actively promote and improve the services provided by the client accounting team.

 

The main duties include :

 

* Ultimate responsibility for all client accounting activities, the timeliness and quality of services provided and dealing with any failures in service delivery

* To constantly review the cashiering processes and procedures used by the firm particularly interactions and division of responsibilities between the cashiers team, credit control team and the wider business, and the use of IT platforms and systems software

* Identify, recommend and implement suitable changes to underlying processes and systems usage

* Develop and implement a reporting framework so that Senior Management are able to monitor the operation of the department

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

* Ensuring client accounting complies fully with the requirements of the Solicitors Accounting Rules (SAR) and acting as principal contact with the firms reporting accountants in relation to this; taking actions resulting from any points raised by the audit and advising the Finance Director on any changes to SAR and the actions required by the firm to comply with those changes 

 

* Overseeing client and office account which involves opening/closing client deposit accounts, placing money on treasury money market, running quarterly and ad hoc interest calculations. Ensuring proactive management of office and client account balances.

 

* Responsibility for the credit control team and ensuring that debt remains under control and within limits set by the Finance Director. Liaising with partners and clients in relation to debt levels.    

 

* Acting as main liaison on daily operational matters with the bank overseeing the checking and authorisation of both foreign and domestic payments

 

* Overseeing the supervision of team members to ensure the workflow and accuracy of work and ensuring that team members receive timely and appropriate training to deliver their roles.

 

* Overseeing the WIP ledger which involves time recording, transfers between matters and write offs

 

* Managing the disbursement ledger to ensure credit balances are cleared and unpaid disbursements are monitored and managed

 

* Acting as main liaison for Fee Earners in relation to accounting for VAT on bills

 

The successful applicant must offer a full knowledge of SAR along with a min qualification of GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade B level or above.

 

Ideally, about 5 years’ experience within a law firm would be expected, along with demonstrable experience in managing teams and change effectively.

 

Other key attributes we'll be seeking -

 

- highly organised and able to manage tasks effectively

- innovative in approach and able to effect change

- ability to provide an efficient and high quality service; with a flexible attitude and approach to work

- ability to work within a team, and essentially manage up and well as down

 

Travel is very relevant in relation to stakeholder management; the team service the Fee Earners in all offices and this post holder is the key contact.

 

There is a degree of client interaction, particularly in relation to more complex credit matters - it is probably a fairly even split (fluxing depending on the time of year)

 

A full job description will be made available to shortlisted candidates and you will be asked to complete a short set of online skill evaluations to support your application.  Personal interviews will take place in Newbury or Hungerford, and our client is eager to find someone who can start fairly quickly.

 

If the above post sounds appealing and you believe you offer the necessary expertise and experience, we would welcome your application.  We make every effort to respond to your application within 3 working days.

 

 

For more information or to apply please contact Abigail Brown, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it