Job Title: Senior Legal Cashier / Finance Manager Location: Dezrez Legal, Swansea Department: Finance Reports To: Head of Finance and Administration (HoFA) Job Purpose: The Senior Legal Cashier / Finance Manager will oversee the financial management and accounting processes of Dezrez Legal. You will ensure compliance with Council for Licensed Conveyancers (CLC) Accounts Rules, handling day-to-day financial operations such as managing client funds, processing transactions, and providing accurate financial reporting. This role is ideal for someone experienced in legal cashiering or finance management and looking to progress to a Head of Finance and Administration (HoFA) role in the near future Key Responsibilities: 1. Legal Cashiering and Compliance Client Account Management: Manage all client accounts in accordance with SRA Accounts Rules, ensuring funds are handled correctly, and reconcile client account transactions. Daily Banking: Ensure that all receipts and payments, including electronic transfers, are processed accurately and in a timely manner. Ledger Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date client ledgers, ensuring that all transactions are posted correctly. Compliance Monitoring: Ensure compliance with CLC Accounts Rules and other regulatory requirements, conducting regular checks and audits of client and office accounts. Month-End Reconciliation: Perform month-end client and office account reconciliations, addressing any discrepancies promptly. 2. Financial Management Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly and quarterly financial reports, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow statements for internal management review. Cash Flow Management: Monitor cash flow to ensure the firm has sufficient working capital, providing reports to the Head of Finance and Administration. VAT and Tax Returns: Prepare and submit VAT returns and ensure compliance with tax obligations, including timely submission of corporation tax and payroll taxes. Year-End Accounts: Assist with the preparation of year-end financial statements and liaise with external auditors to ensure accurate and timely auditing. Payroll Management: Manage payroll processes, ensuring staff are paid accurately and on time, and that all deductions and statutory obligations are met. 3. Transactional Management Accounts Payable and Receivable: Oversee the processing of supplier invoices and ensure that payments are made accurately and on time. Manage the firm's billing and invoicing to clients, including debt collection where necessary. Disbursement Management: Monitor and manage disbursements, ensuring that all payments are allocated correctly, and client disbursements are tracked and reconciled. 4. Financial Controls and Procedures Internal Controls: Develop and maintain robust financial controls and procedures to safeguard client funds and ensure financial integrity. Process Improvement: Continuously review and improve finance processes to increase efficiency and accuracy. Support for Audits: Assist in coordinating internal and external audits, providing the necessary financial records and ensuring compliance with audit requirements. 5. IT and Systems Management Software Management: Ensure the effective use of legal and accounting software (e.g., case management systems like Hoowla) to support accurate financial reporting and cashiering functions. Data Integrity: Maintain the integrity of financial data in all systems, ensuring regular backups and compliance with data protection regulations. Skills and Experience Required: Qualifications: Relevant accounting qualification (AAT, ILFM, or equivalent) is desirable. Solid understanding of CLC Accounts Rules and legal cashiering. Experience with VAT and tax compliance. Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience as a Legal Cashier or in a similar finance role within a law firm. Experience managing client accounts in a legal environment, including handling reconciliations and month-end closing. Familiarity with legal accounting software (such as Hoowla, LEAP, or similar). Experience in payroll management and financial reporting. Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software. Solid understanding of double-entry bookkeeping and financial reporting. Personal Attributes: High attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain accurate financial records.