Accounts Office Supervisor – New Role, Legal Sector

Abacus Professional Recruitment Ltd; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable recruitment agency in Northern Ireland is seeking an experienced Accounts Office Supervisor to lead a finance team and ensure compliance with financial regulations. The role involves managing financial transactions, preparing reports, and improving accounting systems. Ideal candidates should have over 5 years of experience in legal finance, strong leadership skills, and expertise in legal accounting principles. Enjoy a supportive culture with competitive benefits and flexible working options.

Benefits

Private health insurance

Life assurance

Income protection

Wellbeing support

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a finance or accounts team, ideally in professional services or legal.
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience.
• Hands-on experience with VAT, payroll, and compliance reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of Legal Cashiers and Finance Assistants.
• Ensure all financial activity complies with SRA Accounts Rules.
• Oversee client and office bank reconciliations for accuracy.

Skills

Leadership

Legal accounting principles

Analytical skills

Communication

Proficiency in legal accounting systems

Education

IATI or AAT qualification or similar

Tools

SOS

Leap

Clio

Elite 3E

Xero Legal

Job description

Would you like to work where…

• Inclusivity & Support are the number one considerations: A culture that values diversity, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Competitive Benefits Packages are guaranteed: Private health insurance, life assurance, income protection, wellbeing support, and more.
• Flexible Working will always be available: Hybrid options and modern office spaces with hot‑desking.
• Social & Community Engagement is expected: Be part of firm‑wide events, clubs, and networks that make work more enjoyable and make a big impact in the local community.

Accounts Office Supervisor –

Are you an experienced finance professional ready to step into a leadership role where your expertise truly makes an impact? We’re looking for an Accounts Office Supervisor to take the reins of our Accounts Office — leading a talented team, ensuring compliance with SRA Accounts Rules, and shaping the efficiency and integrity of our firm’s financial operations.

This is your opportunity to play a key part in a respected law firm, combining technical know-how, leadership, and strategic oversight in one rewarding position.

What You’ll Be Doing

you’ll be at the heart of the finance function — managing people, processes, and compliance to ensure the smooth running of all financial transactions across the firm.

Your core responsibilities will include:

Team Leadership

• Leading, mentoring, and developing a team of Legal Cashiers and Finance Assistants.
• Overseeing daily workloads, ensuring tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.
• Conducting training, performance reviews, and maintaining exceptional standards across the department.

Compliance & SRA Accounts Rules

• Ensuring all financial activity complies with Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules.
• Monitoring and reporting breaches to the firm’s COFA (Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration).
• Supporting the annual Accountant’s Report and maintaining clear audit trails for inspections.

Financial Management & Reconciliation

• Overseeing client and office bank reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Approving client account transfers and monitoring balances.
• Reviewing ledger entries, identifying and correcting discrepancies.
• Managing petty cash, expense claims, and ensuring financial integrity at all times.

Billing & Financial Reporting

• Supervising billing processes, ensuring invoices and VAT are handled correctly.
• Producing key financial reports including cashflow summaries, P&L reports, and aged debtors/creditors lists.
• Providing actionable financial insights to senior partners and management teams.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Maintaining and enhancing financial systems (e.g. SOS, Leap, Clio, or Elite 3E).
• Streamlining accounting processes and ensuring data accuracy and system security.
• Collaborating with IT and auditors to support upgrades and audits.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll bring both technical excellence and confident leadership to the role.

We’d love to hear from you if you:

• Have a deep understanding of legal accounting principles and SRA Accounts Rules.
• Possess proven team leadership and mentoring experience.
• Are highly accurate, analytical, and organised with a passion for getting the details right.
• Communicate clearly and professionally across all levels of the firm.
• Are proficient with legal accounting systems (SOS, Quill, Leap, Xero Legal, etc.).
• Thrive under pressure and know how to meet deadlines without compromising quality.

Your Background

We’re looking for someone who’s built their career in legal finance — ideally with:

• 5+ years’ experience in a finance or accounts team, ideally professional services or legal.
• Qualifications such as IATI or AAT or similar (or working towards one).
• Hands‑on experience with VAT, payroll, and compliance reporting.