Accountant

Job Title: Accounts Manager Reporting to: Director Location: Luton Salary:£35,000 - £45,000 Times: Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm Start: ASAP We are currently hiring for a leading law firm based in Luton looking for a accounts manager to join their finance team. Responsibilities Key Duties and Responsibilities • Maintain the firm's financial records and oversee the day-to-day operation of the firm's banking arrangements, including the Client Account, Office (Business) Account and VAT Account. • Manage all cash movements, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of receipts, payments, transfers and reconciliations. • Process client and office banking, including electronic payments (BACS, CHAPS and Faster Payments), cheque payments and daily banking transactions. • Ensure the firm's Client Account is operated in strict accordance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules and the firm's internal financial procedures. • Carry out daily client ledger reviews and undertake zero balancing of client ledgers, ensuring that client balances are cleared promptly once matters are concluded and that no residual balances remain without appropriate authority. • Prepare and process client-to-office transfers in accordance with the SRA Accounts Rules and ensure all transfers are properly authorised and recorded. • Perform daily, weekly and monthly bank reconciliations for all firm bank accounts, investigating and resolving any discrepancies promptly. • Prepare quarterly cash flow forecasts and financial analysis reports for senior management. • Prepare payroll information and liaising with external accountants who do payroll. • Prepare and assist external accountants with VAT returns. • Post accounting transactions accurately and maintain complete and orderly accounting records within the firm's accounts and document management systems. • Assist with month-end and year-end accounting processes, including providing information and schedules required by the firm's Accountant and external auditors. • Respond to accounts queries from fee earners and support staff, providing timely and accurate financial information relating to client matters. • Liaise professionally with clients, banks, suppliers and other third parties in relation to financial and account-related matters. • Conduct financial analysis and prepare ad hoc reports for management as required. • Monitor aged client balances, unpaid disbursements and residual client balances, taking appropriate action to ensure compliance and efficient cash management. • Maintain a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, the SRA Accounts Rules, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and all relevant accounting legislation, ensuring full compliance at all times. • Maintain confidentiality in respect of all client, financial and firm information and comply with the firm's policies on data protection, confidentiality and information security. • Provide support and assistance to colleagues across the firm and undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role as may be required by the Partners or senior management. Skills, Knowledge & Experience Skills • Bookkeeping and accountancy • Written and oral communication skills • Excellent IT skills and proficiency with LEAP (case management system) • Excellent communication and organisational skills Knowledge • SRA Standards and Regulations and SRA Accounts Rules (Desired NOT essential) • Accounting and Financial procedures