Head Legal Cashier-Bexleyheath - Full Time - Commencing January 2027
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Head Legal Cashier to lead our small accounts team within a busy high street solicitors' practice. This role combines day-to-day legal cashiering responsibilities with broader financial management duties, requiring someone who thrives in a legal environment and can balance operational oversight with some strategic financial input.
Key Responsibilities
Legal Cashiering & Accounts Management
- Oversee the daily operation of the accounts team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all financial transactions in compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules
- Maintain client and office bank accounts, reconciling balances daily and resolving discrepancies promptly
- Process client payments, receipts, transfers, and disbursements accurately through the firm's case management system
- Assist Fee Earners with the preparation and submission of bills/credit notes
- Ensure proper maintenance of the firm's financial records and ledgers
- Assist the credit control function by taking card payments from clients as and when required
- Maintain the firm’s petty cash, reconciling the balances and ensuring all expenditure is accounted for.
- Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns to HMRC, ensuring accuracy and compliance with current regulations
- Coordinate and manage the annual audit, liaising with external accountants and addressing any findings
- Assist the Finance Director in the preparation of the monthly management accounts, financial reports, and analysis for senior management
- Oversee credit control procedures and assist with debt recovery processes
- Maintain the firm's financial policies and procedures, recommending improvements where necessary
- Line-manage and support the accounts team, allocating work effectively and ensuring adequate training
- Provide guidance and mentoring to team members, fostering professional development
- Conduct regular team meetings and one-to-ones to monitor performance and address issues
- Implement and maintain quality control processes within the accounts function
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary point of contact for financial queries from fee-earners and support staff
- Liaise with the Finance Director and Chief Executive on financial matters, budgets, and forecasting
- Communicate effectively with the firm's bankers, auditors, and other external stakeholders
- Support fee-earners with billing queries and financial aspects of client matters
Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a Legal Cashier, ideally at a senior or supervisory level within a solicitors' practice
- Demonstrable knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures
- Experience in managing VAT returns, client money audits, and financial reporting
- Hands-on experience working within a high street or similar legal environment
- Previous experience managing or supervising an accounts team
- Strong technical accounting skills with high attention to detail and accuracy
- Excellent knowledge of legal accounting software (e.g.SOS, or similar systems)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis tools
- Sound understanding of UK VAT regulations and financial compliance requirements
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues
Personal Attributes
- A proactive, hands-on approach with willingness to be involved in day-to-day operations
- Strong leadership qualities with the ability to motivate and develop a small team
- High level of integrity and professionalism in handling confidential financial information
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to work independently and use initiative
- Resilient and adaptable, able to work effectively in a busy, fast-paced environment
- AAT qualification (Level 3 or above) or equivalent accounting qualification
- Experience of credit control and debt recovery within a legal setting
- Knowledge of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
- Familiarity with Law Society guidance and best practice for legal accounts
What We Offer
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Benefits include: 25 days holiday plus a day off for birthday, pension scheme, employee assistance programme, free eye tests, optional healthcare cashback scheme, access to a retail discounts platform and staff discount on our legal services.
- The opportunity to play a key role in a respected high street practice
- A supportive working environment with scope for professional growth
For more than a century, we’ve supported local people and businesses through life’s important moments. Our clients know they can reach us easily, get clear answers, and rely on us to move things forward without delay.
We make law feel clearer
Legal matters can feel overwhelming, so we focus on practical, straightforward advice. We explain things in plain English, guide you step by step, and make sure you always understand your options before making a decision.
We stand by our community
Our roots are firmly in the local area, and we’re proud of the trust generations of families have placed in us. We value long-term relationships, treat people with warmth and respect, and work hard to deliver the consistent, dependable service our community deserves.
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