Legal Practice Manager

Job Title: Legal Practice Manager Location: Bedfordshire, MK40 Work Arrangement: Office based Salary: £50,000 to £60,000 DOE Job Ref: 36969 The Firm Our client is a Lexcel & CQS accredited practice, who provides the full range of services from their offices headquartered in Bedfordshire. Ideal location with easy access to transport links and local amenities. Founded in 2006, they have continuously grown and are now one of the leading firms in the region. They offer a full range of legal services with a team that includes STEP, SFE, ACTAPS certified professionals, and a court-appointed Panel Duty. Reporting to the firms Board of Directors & CEO, the successful Legal Practice Manager will handle a diverse and challenging workload to facilitate the delivery of the practices’ legal services. Duties may include but not be limited to:- • Management of the finance department and reception staff • Day-to-day and annual responsibility for the firms’ accounts • Advice on regulatory compliance including SRA, AML and SAR’s • Organisation of the firm’s insurance, accreditations and practising certificate renewals • Attending Board meetings • Negotiating with third party suppliers and developing organisational and performance systems. This is an expansive position that requires attention to detail in multiple areas:- • Excellent organisational skills and the ability to find solutions to complex issues • will therefore be essential. This is a hands-on role suited to a dedicated • professional who thrives under pressure and would like to become an integral part of the continued success of the company. Candidate specification Candidates should ideally have:- • Previous relevant experience within a legal or professional services environment or they would consider a Finance Manager who is ACCA Qualified but must have worked in a law firm • A commanding knowledge of the Solicitor Accounts Rules and an overview of the general obligations of the SRA Handbook • A comprehensive understanding of GAAP and accrual accounting • Experience with COFA and COLP duties and responsibilities and assume COFA role in due course • Ability to handle confidential information with discretion • Previous experience with drafting policies and procedures • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Ability to collaborate with colleagues and with outside organisations • The ability to adhere to and manage deadlines with minimal supervision • Strong IT skills and previous experience with case management systems (P4W experience would be highly beneficial). Main Responsibilities • Management of accounts team, reception staff/post room • Prepare and provide information to the firm’s accountants for annual SAR’s audit and year end Accounts • Proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks including GDPR, accounts breaches etc • Change and project management • Ensure the office environment is professional, efficient and productive by proactively finding solutions • Lexcel applications and reaccreditation • Internal training to ensure Lexcel compliance • Drafting, reviewing and updating our various policies in collaboration with others as and when required and in line with Lexcel, CQS and SRA guidelines • Support the firm’s marketing efforts, including managing social media accounts, website updates, online reviews, and promotional materials • Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the management team • VAT returns • Corporation Tax instalments • Payroll supervision • NI/Tax payments due to HMRC • Maintain/update staff benefits scheme • CQS applications • Practising certificate bulk renewal application • PII renewal • Cyber Insurance renewal • Office Insurance renewal • Finance arrangements • SRA applications when required • Team appraisals • Provide support to staff in relation to software/systems including P4W, Bundledocs, Legl ID checks, PeopleHR, Formshare etc. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL (INCLUDING SPAM FOLDER) FOR CONFIRMATION YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED.