Legal Practice Manager - My client would consider a Finance Manager who is ACCA qualified who has worked in a law firm. You should have legal background knowledge.
You would need to be a commutable distance to Bedford, as this is a hybrid opportunity or Full Time in person if prefered.
The Role Reporting to the firms Board of Directors & CEO, the successful Practice Manager will handle a diverse and challenging workload to facilitate the delivery of the practices’ legal services. Duties may include but not be limited to:- • Management of the finance department and reception staff; • Day-to-day and annual responsibility for the firms’ accounts; • Advice on regulatory compliance including SRA, AML and SAR’s; • Organisation of the firm’s insurance, accreditations and practising certificate renewals; • Attending Board meetings; • Negotiating with third party suppliers and developing organisational and performance systems. This is an expansive position that requires attention to detail in multiple areas:- • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to find solutions to complex issues will therefore be essential. This is a hands-on role suited to a dedicated professional who thrives under pressure and would like to become an integral part of the continued success of the company.
Candidates should ideally have:- • Previous relevant experience within a legal or professional services environment • A commanding knowledge of the Solicitor Accounts Rules and an overview of the general obligations of the SRA Handbook • A comprehensive understanding of GAAP and accrual accounting • Experience with COFA and COLP duties and responsibilities and assume COFA role in due course • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion • Previous experience with drafting policies and procedures • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to collaborate with colleagues and with outside organisations • The ability to adhere to and manage deadlines with minimal supervision • Strong IT skills and previous experience with case management systems (P4W experience would be highly beneficial)
Main Responsibilities • Management of accounts team, reception staff/post room • Prepare and provide information to the firm’s accountants for annual SAR’s audit and year end Accounts • Proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks including GDPR, accounts breaches etc • Change and project management • Ensure the office environment is professional, efficient and productive by proactively finding solutions • Lexcel applications and reaccreditation • Internal training to ensure Lexcel compliance • Drafting, reviewing and updating our various policies in collaboration with others as and when required and in line with Lexcel, CQS and SRA guidelines • Support the firm’s marketing efforts, including managing social media accounts, website updates, online reviews, and promotional materials • Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the management team • VAT returns • Corporation Tax instalments • Payroll supervision • NI/Tax payments due to HMRC • Maintain/update staff benefits scheme • CQS applications • Practising certificate bulk renewal application • PII renewal • Cyber Insurance renewal • Office Insurance renewal • Finance arrangements • SRA applications when required • Team appraisals • Provide support to staff in relation to software/systems including P4W, Bundledocs, Legal ID checks, PeopleHR, Formshare etc.