Fees Clerk & Accounts Assistant (1980) in London

Deka Chambers is a financially successful and highly regarded group of 113 self-employed barristers, practising across civil, crime, and family law. Supported by a dedicated team of 23 staff employed through their service company, they combine the strengths of the traditional chambers model with a modern, dynamic approach. Innovative and adaptable, Deka Chambers was among the first to move beyond the confines of the Inns of Court, embracing technology, flexible working, and hot desking to support their members' evolving needs. In June 2020, they moved into a bespoke, well-located building, providing a contemporary and inspiring working environment. They expect the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity from their members, rewarding loyalty and promoting based on merit. For those seeking a supportive, forward-looking, and successful chambers, Deka Chambers offers the environment and opportunity to thrive.

This role supports Chambers' financial operations by combining fee collection (credit control and client liaison) with day-to-day accounts assistance. The postholder will help ensure accurate processing of transactions, timely billing and receipts, well-maintained accounting records, and a professional service to members of Chambers and clients.

Job Purpose:

• Support timely fee collection and debt chasing in a professional manner consistent with the service clients and members expect.
• Complete routine accounts tasks accurately and efficiently, maintaining ledgers and records within the Chambers accounting system (Sage 50).
• Undertake ad hoc finance and fee-collection tasks, providing cover for colleagues where required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Fees clerk / fee collection (credit control and client liaison): Review aged debt reports and case/workflow records to identify fees to be chased; contact clients to request payment; maintain clear case notes for the benefit of clerks and counsel; and update fee cycles as appropriate. Manage the fee-collection workflow effectively, ensuring routine reminders are produced, issued and followed up methodically. Process electronic payments, file payment notifications against the relevant matter, and issue VAT receipts where required. Handle enquiries relating to fees and payments, including requests for copy invoices/receipts, bank details and supporting information, updating records as appropriate. Liaise with clerks and counsel to resolve billing queries, adjust fee notes where appropriate and provide case reconciliations. Support resolution of disputes in a timely and professional manner.
• Accounts assistance (purchase ledger, banking and reconciliations): Assisted by bank and payable feeds, undertake prime entry of bank and supplier transactions. Reconcile chambers bank accounts. Ensure supplier invoices are correctly posted. Respond to supplier queries, prepare reports, and assist with monthly supplier payment runs. Produce and distribute monthly invoices to members (including member recharges where applicable) accurately and within required deadlines using LEX, Sage and Bar-Stat. Manage petty cash, ensuring transactions are supported by receipts and recorded correctly, and complete petty cash reconciliations. Process and record Chambers credit card transactions. Provide ad hoc/project support to the Director of Operations.

Working arrangements: This is a full-time role. The successful candidate will be subject to pre-employment checks as appropriate (including right to work in the UK).

Confidentiality and compliance: The postholder must maintain strict confidentiality in relation to clients, members of Chambers and Chambers' financial information, and comply with all relevant policies and procedures (including data protection, anti-fraud controls and financial governance).

Experience and Skills:

• Excellent numeracy and IT skills including intermediate Excel, Word, and Outlook. (Essential)
• AAT (or similar) qualification, or willingness to study towards one. (Desirable)
• Ability to prepare an extended trial balance (Desirable)
• Capable of operating in a professional and demanding environment with the ability to act in a professional, conscientious, and efficient manner and apply discretion, tact and diplomacy at all times. (Essential)
• Working knowledge of LEX and Sage 50. (Essential)
• Previous experience of fee collection and aged debt management within chambers or in a similar legal environment. (Essential)

Essential personal attributes:

• Ability to communicate appropriately at all levels, in person and in writing.
• Excellent attention to detail and consistently high levels of accuracy.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team and to use initiative.
• Flexible, proactive attitude. Organised and able to manage competing deadlines and to remain calm under pressure.

Benefits:

• Discretionary annual bonus
• Employer pension 5% on full salary
• 23 Days annual leave + 3 grace days at Christmas
• Private Healthcare
• 4 x salary life insurance
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme
• Hybrid working (after 6 months)

Equal Opportunities: Chambers is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Selection will be based on merit and objective criteria.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 29th April 2026

For all enquiries please contact: ABC Partnership - 0203 890 8190 – enquiries@abcllp.com

To apply for this role please email a comprehensive CV and covering letter to Sarah Willshee – sarah@abcllp.com & Rachael Argent – rachael@abcllp.com

All third-party applications will be forwarded to ABC Partnership Ltd. ABC are committed to equality and to fostering diversity in our profession. We will treat everyone equally and irrespective of their age, background, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. Please advise us in advance of the interview if you have any access needs (including those arising from neurodiversity) and/or require reasonable adjustments for the interview so that we can make appropriate arrangements.