Legal Account Assistant

Lyons Bowe Solicitors; West of England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday off every year

Parking or parking permit provided

Discounted legal services

Free eye tests and flu jabs

Access to mental health support

Flexible working options

Job summary

A legal firm in the UK is seeking a Legal Accounts Assistant to support their finance function. The ideal candidate will manage financial transactions, ensure compliance with Solicitors Accounts Rules, and maintain accurate records. Key qualifications include experience in legal finance, AAT qualification preferred but not essential, and proficiency in accounting software such as SOS. This role offers flexible working options and various employee benefits, including birthday leave and mental health support.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing financial records and transactions.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles in a legal context.
• Knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules is essential.

Responsibilities

• Process client and office account payments and transfers.
• Ensure compliance with Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Support month-end and year-end accounting processes.
• Respond to accounts related queries from clients and staff.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Numerical and analytical skills

Communication skills

Time-management skills

Education

AAT Qualification (or working towards one)

1-3 years of experience in an accounts or legal finance role

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Legal accounts software (e.g. SOS)

Job description

Lyons Bowe is a local, high-street Solicitors established in 2014. Over the years we have developed state of the art technology which allows us to offer exceptional legal services across Residential Property, Private Client and Family whilst also providing that all-important high-street service to our local communities.

Job Purpose

The Legal Accounts Assistant supports the finance function within the firm by ensuring accurate financial record-keeping, compliance with regulatory requirements (such as Solicitors’ Accounts Rules), and smooth processing of client and office transactions.

The role requires strong attention to detail, good organisational skills, and an understanding of accounting principles within a legal context.

Responsibilities and Duties

Finance Transactions

• Process client and office account payments, receipts and transfers;
• Understand WIP and process invoices and credit notes;
• Handle daily bank reconciliations for client and office accounts;
• Monitor incoming funds and allocate them correctly.

Compliance & Regulation

• Ensure all financial processes comply with Solicitors Accounts Rules and firm policies;
• Maintain up to date, accurate and auditable financial records;
• Assist with internal and external audits;

Accounts Administration

• Support month end and year end accounting processes;
• Manage Equal Spends, expenses and disbursements;
• Maintain accurate ledgers and journals;
• Check and prepare and upload property completion packs;
• Prepare financial reports as requested by management.

Client & Internal Support

• Respond to accounts related queries from fee earners, clients and 3rd parties;
• Liaise with banks, accountants and other external parties;
• Provide financial data to support case management and billing.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills;
• High accuracy and attention to detail;
• Understanding of legal accounting principles (including SAR);
• Proficiency with legal accounts software (e.g. SOS);
• Good communication and time-management skills;
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in an accounts or legal finance role (typically 1-3 years);
• Knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules;
• AAT Qualification (or working towards one) is often preferred but not essential;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting systems.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and organised;
• Strong problem solving approach;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Professional and client focused attitude.

What you will get in return

• Your birthday off every year
• Parking or parking permit provided
• Discounted legal services
• Free eye tests and flu jabs
• Access to mental health support
• Flexible working options and family-friendly policies
• Full training and development opportunities