Legal Accounts Manager in Blackburn

• Reporting to: Managing Partner
• Department: Finance (Stand-Alone Role)
• Company Overview

Our client- Solicitors firm is a respected and growing law firm serving clients across Lancashire.

We provide high-quality legal services across Family Law, Immigration, Conveyancing, Litigation, and Private Client.

As the firm continues to expand, we are seeking a highly competent and trustworthy Legal Accounts Manager to take full ownership of the firm's financial operations and ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules.

Role Summary

This is a stand-alone finance role responsible for managing all aspects of the firm's accounting function.

The Legal Accounts Manager will oversee office and client account transactions, ensure full SRA compliance, manage payroll, produce financial reports, and support partners with commercial decision-making.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in legal finance, excellent attention to detail, and the confidence to run the accounts function independently.

Key Responsibilities

• SRA Compliance & Client Account Management
• Maintain strict compliance with SRA Accounts Rules.
• Manage all client account transactions, including receipts, payments, transfers, and reconciliations.
• Monitor client ledgers to ensure no breaches occur.
• Handle residual balances and ensure timely resolution.
• Prepare monthly and ad-hoc compliance reports for partners.
• Office Accounts & Financial Control
• Manage the office account, including supplier payments, disbursements, and expense control.
• Process invoices, credit notes, and ensure accurate coding.
• Oversee billing, WIP management, and credit control.
• Prepare monthly bank reconciliations for all accounts.
• Manage VAT returns and liaise with HMRC.
• Payroll & Staff Expenses
• Process monthly payroll (or liaise with external payroll provider).
• Manage pension contributions and statutory payments.
• Oversee staff expense claims and mileage logs.
• Financial Reporting & Support to Partners
• Produce monthly management accounts, cashflow forecasts, and profitability reports.
• Provide financial insight to support strategic decisions.
• Assist with budgeting and year-end preparation for external accountants.
• Monitor financial performance across departments and fee earners.
• Systems & Process Management
• Maintain and optimise the firm's legal accounts software (e. g., LEAP, Proclaim, Quill, or similar).
• Ensure accurate data entry and ledger integrity.
• Improve financial processes and internal controls.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience as a Legal Cashier, Legal Accounts Manager, or similar role within a law firm.
• Strong working knowledge of SRA Accounts Rules.
• Experience managing both client and office accounts.
• Confident handling payroll, VAT, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• High level of accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently in a stand-alone role.
• Strong IT skills, including legal accounts software and Excel.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in a small/medium law firm environment.
• Familiarity with LEAP, Proclaim, Quill, or similar systems.
• AAT qualification or equivalent (not essential if experience is strong).
• Experience supporting partners with financial analysis and decision-making.
• What This Role Offers
• £ good salary
• Autonomy and full ownership of the finance function
• Opportunity to shape processes and influence firm-wide financial performance
• A stable, respected local firm with long-term career potential