Residual Balances Legal Cashier in Birmingham

The Residual Balances Cashier is responsible for the proactive identification, investigation, resolution and closure of residual client ledger balances across the Ampa Group with its core responsibility being the delivery of a high-quality, compliant, and efficient residual balances service to the group, in accordance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules (SAR) and firm policies. The role plays a critical part in reducing aged balances, whilst driving compliance with SRA Accounts Rules, with a particular focus on rule 2.5 (SAR), and Rule B6 of the Law Society of Scotland (LSS). Supporting revenue maximisation by working closely with Revenue Controllers, Cashiers, Credit Control, Operations Managers and legal teams to drive timely resolution of aged and orphaned balances. This is a specialist role requiring strong technical cashiering knowledge, revenue-control discipline, and the confidence to challenge and influence stakeholders across the business.

Our cashiering function operates in a unique 3 team structure with the central team at its core and the outward focused cashiering teams handling the day-to-day ledger management. The Residual Balances Legal Cashier should foster a can-do attitude in terms of supporting change management and transformation in the aged balances area.

What you will be doing:

• Deliver robust end to end processes focused on the management of residual balances across client ledgers for all Group entities.
• Identify aged, dormant and orphaned balances arising from closed or inactive matters.
• Investigate root causes for the holding of balances (e.g. billing issues, disbursement treatment, write offs, VAT, interest, suspense postings).
• Progress balances through to resolution, including:
• Matter reopening where required
• Final billing or credit billing
• Write off approval coordination
• Refunds and transfers
• Residual balance clear downs in line with policy

Revenue & Lock Up Focus

• Bring an engaged, commercially aware approach, applying strong financial hygiene when working with stakeholders to help reduce WIP, debt and cash lock up.
• Work alongside Revenue Controllers to ensure residual balances are addressed as part of broader matter lifecycle management.
• Monitor trends and identify systemic issues contributing to residual balances, escalating recurring risks or inefficiencies whilst contributing to continuous process improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact for fee earners and legal support teams on residual balance queries.
• Proactively chase outstanding information and decisions, confidently challenging delays or non-responses.
• Build strong working relationships with the following teams/individuals:
• Legal cashiers
• Revenue Controllers
• Credit Control
• Finance Systems
• Compliance / COFA
• Act as subject matter expert within your team, building and maintaining strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Deliver excellent customer service and support to both business operations and the wider legal teams.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all activity complies with:
• SRA Accounts Rules
• Law Society of Scotland Rules
• Internal residual balance and write off policies
• Firm approval matrices and audit requirements
• Support COFA assurance through accurate documentation and audit trails.
• Support the group in ensuring client money is not held longer than necessary and that residual balances are resolved promptly and appropriately.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Produce regular MI on residual balances, including:
• Value and volume by age
• Root cause analysis
• Progress against clearance targets
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to reduce residual balance creation upstream.
• Support process improvements across billing, matter closure, and cashiering workflows.
• Work with the Head of Finance Operations on the delivery of existing and new systems, including acting as SME in your dedicated area.

Compliance:

• Maintain compliance with Solicitors Accounts Rules and internal policies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements.

Key Attributes

• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy and accountability.
• Able to manage competing priorities and perform under pressure.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrates strong ethical standards, integrity, and discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Effective communicator with the ability to work effectively with the wider group functions.

Knowledge and Experience

• Essential: Proven experience in a similar role within a law firm; Strong knowledge of the Solicitors Accounts Rules.
• Desirable: Proven experience in delivering continuous improvement; Experience of working with Aderant/Creditforce; Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite; Strong Analytical and problem-solving skills; Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; The ability to build strong relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.

Ampa Group is a committed equal opportunities employer.