Simmons & Simmons are looking for a Client Cashier to join our growing Finance team in Bristol. This role is responsible for the client cashiering function for the firm's UK offices, delivering an efficient, effective and accurate service. The successful candidate will ensure that all transactions are posted through the UK client bank accounts in a timely manner in accordance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules and are approved within the correct authorisation limits. The Client Cashier acts as a key contact for Partners, MFE's (Matter Fee earner) and secretaries within the firm. The role may also assist in the office cashiering function.

Main duties and responsibilities

Using technical expertise and building effective relationships to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules:

• Establishing good working relationships with MPs (Matter Partners) and MFEs to ensure that focus is maintained on all client account transactions and that all receipts and payments are dealt with in accordance with the SARs and within the firms policies and procedures.
• Ensuring the timely and accurate allocation and processing of client account receipts, payments and transfers adhering to the SAR at all times.
• Ensuring that client account payments are processed in a timely and accurate manner in accordance with finance policies and procedures.
• Ensuring the daily, weekly and monthly reconciliations of the office bank accounts are performed within the correct time frames for management review.
• Production and distribution of various, system driven, management reports to ensure accurate financial information and timely attention to aged balances.
• Ensuring the application and posting of client interest payments and the relevant transfer of monies between bank accounts.
• Verification of transactions on behalf of the finance department, providing corporate governance and financial control.

Providing a quality service and ensuring that the team processes and objectives align with business needs:

• Obtaining relevant feedback in order to advise on improvements to the processes of the team and actively promoting the finance function.
• Adhering to agreed best practices, policies and processes whilst adapting to local requirements as necessary.
• Consistently sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.

Applying commercial logic to advise the business on best practice in order to obtain the maximum financial benefit for the firm:

• Maintaining constructive working relationships the MPs, MFEs and secretaries within the firm and key personal within external organisations to ensure that focus is maintained on the balances and sums held within accounts.
• Maintaining a high level of professionalism when dealing with contacts within external organisations and to help in resolving issues to achieve the best outcome for the firm.
• Accepting responsibility and taking ownership of operational issues, finding practical solutions and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Assisting in the preparation for the SRA audits. Providing support during the audit.
• Providing commercial and legislative advice as appropriate.

Person specification

Education / qualifications / experience:

• At least 5 GCSE grade C or above or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience in a Law firm environment with 3-5 years' experience in cashiering.
• To be able to demonstrate the application of best practice.
• To be able to demonstrate experience of building successful relationships.

Knowledge and technical skills:

• Intermediate Excel skills.
• Very good working use of Microsoft office.
• Ability to advise on functionality and system transactions.
• Ability to advise the business on and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering requirements and VAT legislation, seeking guidance or escalating when required.