Rutherford Briant are recruiting for a Probate Accounts Executive to join a well-established and highly regarded law firm based in Chelmsford.

This is a great opportunity for someone with a background in legal accounts, finance administration, bookkeeping or legal administration who would like to develop their career within a specialist Private Client and Probate team.

The role does not require you to be a qualified accountant or a qualified solicitor. The firm are looking for someone who is confident working with figures, careful with detail and comfortable supporting the preparation of probate and estate accounts.

You may currently be working as a Legal Cashier, Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant, Bookkeeper, Legal Secretary, Probate Assistant or Private Client Administrator. What matters most is that you have the right mix of accuracy, organisation, client care and willingness to learn.

What you will do:

As Probate Accounts Executive, you will support the Private Client team with probate and estate administration work. Your responsibilities will include:

• Preparing basic estate and probate accounts.
• Working with schedules, figures, estate information and supporting documentation.
• Assisting with inheritance tax and probate application forms.
• Supporting the preparation of probate applications, both online and paper based where required.
• Liaising with HMRC, HMCTS, clients, personal representatives and third parties.
• Assisting with the collection of estate assets and payment of liabilities.
• Supporting the team with estate distributions and related documentation.
• Drafting emails, letters and documents for clients and third parties.
• Keeping accurate records and helping ensure deadlines are met.
• Referring technical legal queries to senior members of the Private Client team where needed.

What you will need:

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience in accounts, finance administration, bookkeeping, legal accounts or legal administration.
• Strong attention to detail and confidence working with figures.
• Good Excel and Word skills.
• The ability to organise information clearly and accurately.
• A careful, methodical and professional approach.
• Good communication skills when dealing with clients and third parties.
• An interest in probate, estate administration or private client work.
• Previous law firm experience would be helpful, but is not essential.
• Experience with legal accounts, estate accounts, probate administration, HMRC or HMCTS would be advantageous.

Why apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected Chelmsford law firm with a strong Private Client team and an excellent reputation for client care.

You will be joining a supportive team where you can build specialist knowledge in probate and estate administration, while using your existing accounts, finance or legal administration experience.

The firm offer:

• Salary of £35,000 - £45,000 depending on experience.
• Hybrid working.
• Free parking.
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Life assurance.
• Income protection.
• Health cash plan.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Supportive team environment and long-term career development.

Apply now

If you are looking for a role that combines accounts, administration, client service and specialist legal work, this could be a really interesting next step.

Apply now or contact Rutherford Briant for a confidential conversation.

Rutherford Briant is passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion. We seek individuals from the widest talent pool and encourage underrepresented talent to apply to vacancies with us. We are committed to recruitment processes that are fair for all, regardless of background and personal characteristics.