At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure financial control and compliance while safeguarding client funds in a regulated environment.
- Company: Join a leading legal services firm with a strong commitment to integrity and trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Lead a dynamic team and collaborate across the business for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing financial risks and enhancing compliance standards.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent with experience in financial reconciliations.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Responsible for ensuring the highest standards of financial control and regulatory compliance, including the safeguarding of client funds within an SRA‐regulated environment. The role ensures that all processes and controls within Finance Operations are designed and operated in strict compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules, accounting standards, and internal policies. Through proactive monitoring, continuous improvement, and effective challenge, the role plays a critical part in protecting client funds, managing regulatory and financial risk, and maintaining the integrity and trust required of a regulated legal services business.
Reports to: Finance Business Partner
Line Manager of: 5 direct reports
Contribution:
- Financial Control: Production and oversight of complex balance sheet reconciliations, client bank reconciliations and supplier reconciliations. Identifying discrepancies, investigating root causes, and proactively implementing effective corrective actions.
- Period End Accounting: Responsibility for period‐end closure in the case management system and posting of period‐end journals into the group accounting system.
- Process Management: Ensure that all daily, weekly and monthly processes are completed in adherence to both external regulation (Solicitors Accounts Rules) and internal policies, effectively managing the short‐ and long‐term workload of the team.
- Regulatory Control: Periodic reporting and review of the performance of controls, including identification and escalation of potential Accounts Rules breaches, with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
- External Audit: Lead on the external Solicitors Accounts Rules audit, ensuring deliverables are completed to agreed timelines.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure best practice is applied across the finance operation and that procedures and controls comply with SRA rules and relevant accounting standards.
- Banking: Work closely with Treasury to manage all aspects of client and office account banking, ensuring appropriate authorised signatures, mandates and system access are maintained. Lead regular service review meetings with banking partners.
- Technical Expertise: Provide technical advice and guidance to senior management and operational leaders, sharing expertise to support effective decision‐making and the development of new or enhanced processes.
- Team Management: Lead, coach and develop the team to support high performance, ongoing growth, and continued professional development.
Behaviours:
- Forging Relationships: Works collaboratively with colleagues at all levels across the business and with key contacts within Group Finance.
- Inspirational Communicator: Communicates complex financial and regulatory matters clearly and concisely, providing meaningful insight to support strategic and operational decision‐making.
- Future‐Focused: Continuously develops the control environment and reporting capabilities to enhance the integrity and quality of financial reporting.
Empowered to:
- Work independently with external auditors and across Group Finance, supporting strategic decision‐making through the provision of timely, accurate and well‐controlled financial information.
- Take initiative to identify and implement improvements to ways of working within the finance function and the wider business.
Capabilities:
- Fully qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
- Proven experience of balance sheet reconciliations, identifying discrepancies, investigating root causes & period end accounting.
Management Accountant in West Bromwich employer: Lorien
As a Management Accountant in our esteemed firm, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages growth and innovation, all within a prestigious SRA-regulated setting. Join us to play a pivotal role in safeguarding client funds while advancing your career in a meaningful and rewarding way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant in West Bromwich
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lorien. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lorien.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lorien's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lorien.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lorien will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lorien employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
