Legal Cashier

• Location: South Shields
• Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Salary: £28k
• Contract: Interim (until Feb 2027 with potential for extension)

My client is seeking a meticulous and experienced Legal Cashier to join their Accounts Team. This role is crucial for managing client and office account transactions, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and their internal financial controls. If you pride yourself on accuracy, sound judgement, and excellent service, this position will allow you to play a key role in safeguarding client money and keeping their firm's finances running smoothly.

Day-to-day of the role:

• Process client and office account receipts, payments, and transfers with high accuracy and within agreed timescales.
• Ensure transactions are posted using the correct matter, ledger, and nominal codes.
• Prepare and process electronic payments in accordance with delegated authority and approval procedures.
• Conduct daily and periodic bank reconciliations, investigating any discrepancies promptly.
• Maintain accurate client, office, and nominal ledger records, ensuring proper allocation, transfer, and return of client money.
• Handle authorised invoices, credit notes, write-offs, disbursements, and office-to-client transfers.
• Monitor residual client balances and support their prompt investigation and resolution.
• Assist with billing, time-recording queries, aged debt, credit control, and supplier payments as required.
• Utilise the Liberate Case Management and Accounts system to maintain accurate matter, client, and financial information.
• Support month-end and year-end procedures, management reporting, audit preparation, and the firm’s accountant’s report.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Accounts and COFA to maintain robust controls, safeguard client money, and escalate potential breaches without delay.
• Maintain orderly records and protect confidential financial and client information in accordance with the firm’s policies.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in legal cashiering, legal accounts, or a closely related finance role.
• Strong understanding of client and office account transactions, reconciliations, and the SRA Accounts Rules.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, meet deadlines, and remain calm under pressure.
• Competence in questioning incomplete or unusual instructions and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Clear communication skills and a professional approach to both colleagues and external contacts.
• Discretion in handling confidential financial and client information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with legal case management and accounts systems.
• It is advantageous to have experience in a medium-sized, multi-departmental law firm, previous use of the Liberate Case Management and Accounts system, and a relevant bookkeeping, accounting, or legal finance qualification.

Benefits:

• 25 days holiday entitlement – prorated annually.
• Training support and opportunities for professional development.
• Flexible working arrangements.

To apply for this Legal Cashier position, please submit your CV now!