Legal Financial Administrator
We have a new vacancy for a Legal Financial Administrator to join our Court of Protection team in our Gloucester Road office, reporting to the Head of Department and Financial Controller.
This role will support our busy and growing Court of Protection team by carrying out all duties relating to financial administration. This role will be responsible for a number of areas including all aspects of day-to-day processing of transactions and the reconciliation of bank accounts whilst ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules, Lexcel and Anti-Money Laundering rules.
The role

You can expect to be involved in:

• Payment of invoices and ad hoc payments to clients as and when required.
• Creating standing orders and putting in place direct debits.
• Reconciliation of spreadsheets and ensuring these are kept up to date.
• Preparing interim bills on a monthly basis.
• Liaising closely with fee earners with regards to available funds and transferring funds between accounts.
• Making applications for new accounts to be opened i.e. NS&I or Court Funds Office.
• Ensuring compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Obtaining appropriate authorisation in advance of deadlines.
• Processing, payment and reconciliation of professional disbursements.
• Posting to and reconciliation of Court of Protection designated client deposit accounts.
• Preparing files for submission to the Costs Draftsman on an annual basis and subsequent SCCO submission for assessment.
• Carrying out account balance/file reviews on a 6 monthly basis to assist with file hygiene and cash flow.
• Monitoring aged debt and seeking payment of unpaid invoices.
• Completing the financial sections of the OPG Deputy Report on an annual basis.
• Monitoring fee estimates and liaising with fee earners re costs reviews.

This is a hybrid role and whilst predominantly focused on financial administration, some more general administration duties will be required, supporting the lawyers with the following:

• Diary management and organisation of meetings/events.
• Claiming expenses.
• Drafting letters and sending out.
• Obtaining signatures and submitting forms.
• Preparing bundles and exhibits.

The candidate will be expected at all times to:

• Exercise high standards of client care in a professional and pleasant manner.
• Ensure the confidentiality and security of all firm and client documentation and information.
• Maintain clear and precise communications with other personnel of the firm, especially the fee earners.
• Ensure good working relationships with colleagues, external institutions and organisations.
• Have strong written skills, place emphasis on detail.
• Be highly organised and able to work independently.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience of working within a busy legal accounts department
• Knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules (SRA)
• Experience of SOS (Practice Management System), LAA
• A GSCE (or equivalent), grade 4 or above in Maths and English.
• Strong written skills, be highly organised and able to work independently.

Previous experience working in a law firm or some knowledge of Court of Protection work is preferable but not essential.

Location and working hours

• Full-time (office hours are 9am – 5.15pm, Monday to Friday)
• Part-time may be considered.
• The role is based at our Gloucester Road office, but with the option to apply for hybrid working upon successful completion of your probation.

About us
Barcan+Kirby is well known in the Bristol legal market both as a provider of excellent legal services for individuals and businesses, and as a progressive employer.
We are committed to developing and nurturing our people, and encouraging positive wellbeing and mental health is central to our culture. We encourage open communication and foster a culture where colleagues are supported in achieving a real work/life balance.
At Barcan+Kirby, we work hard to maintain a culture of kindness and friendliness, and welcome applications from individuals who fit with our values.
We like to think that we do things a bit differently from other law firms.
Belonging at Barcan+Kirby
We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive working environment. We want you to bring your true self to work and encourage applications from anyone who embodies our values, regardless of age, ethnicity, religion, disability status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity or anything else that makes you, you.
If there is anything we can do to make things more comfortable for you as part of the application process, including making a reasonable adjustment, please let us know by emailing recruitment@barcankirby.co.uk.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £23,751.00-£35,000.00 per year
Work Location: In perso

• Diary management and organisation of meetings/events.
• Claiming expenses.
• Drafting letters and sending out.
• Obtaining signatures and submitting forms.
• Preparing bundles and exhibits