RECEPTIONIST, ACCOUNTS & COMPLIANCE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT in Bristol

Location: Henleaze Road office, Bristol

Hours: Full‑time in office but may consider part‑time

About The Role

We are seeking a professional, organised and proactive Receptionist, Accounts & Compliance Administrative Assistant to join our team. This is a varied and responsible role that combines front‑of‑house reception duties, office administration, accounts support, client onboarding and compliance administration. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the practice and maintaining high standards of client service. As the first point of contact for clients and visitors, you will represent the firm in a professional and welcoming manner while providing administrative support across all areas of the business.

Reception And Client Care

• Act as the first point of contact for clients, visitors and telephone enquiries.
• Answer, screen and direct calls appropriately.
• Welcome clients and visitors to the office.
• Manage meeting room bookings and refreshments.
• Handle incoming and outgoing post, courier deliveries and emails.
• Maintain reception, meeting rooms and client areas to a professional standard.
• Manage appointment scheduling and diary bookings.

General Administration

• Provide administrative support to solicitors and support staff.
• Prepare and format correspondence, reports and legal documents.
• Maintain electronic and paper filing systems.
• Scan, photocopy and archive documents.
• Order office supplies and liaise with service providers.
• Assist with file opening and file closing procedures.
• Support the implementation of office policies and procedures.

Accounts And Legal Cashiering Support

• Assist with processing office and client account transactions.
• Raise invoices and issue client statements.
• Record incoming payments and receipts.
• Assist with banking procedures and reconciliations.
• Support credit control and debt recovery administration.
• Maintain accurate accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Assist with monthly financial reporting.
• Liaise with external accountants and bookkeepers as required.
• Ensure all financial records are maintained in accordance with SRA Accounts Rules and internal procedures.

Client Onboarding And Compliance

• Assist with client onboarding procedures.
• Conduct identity verification checks and collect due diligence documentation.
• Carry out Anti‑Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Client (KYC) checks using the firm’s systems.
• Maintain client due diligence records.
• Assist with source of funds and source of wealth enquiries where required.
• Support compliance monitoring and record keeping.
• Maintain registers relating to compliance and risk management.
• Assist with data protection and GDPR administration.
• Support the firm’s Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) and Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) with administrative tasks.
• Monitor and update compliance records and training logs.

Office Management Support

• Assist with facilities management and office maintenance issues.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors and IT support providers.
• Coordinate staff training records and administrative requirements.
• Support business continuity and risk management processes.
• Assist with organising staff meetings and firm events.

Person Specification – Essential Requirements

• Previous experience in a receptionist, administrative, accounts or office support role is preferable but full training will be required; without prior experience should still apply if a dedicated team player with an appetite to learn.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Good numeracy skills and confidence handling financial information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Professional and confidential approach to sensitive information.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience working within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Knowledge of legal accounts procedures.
• Familiarity with SRA Accounts Rules.
• Experience of AML and client due diligence processes.
• Experience using legal case management systems.

Personal Qualities

• Friendly and professional manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Positive and flexible attitude.
• Reliable and trustworthy.
• Ability to work effectively within a small team.
• Strong sense of responsibility and accountability.
• Commitment to delivering excellent client service.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.