The Vacancy

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Client Account Cashier to join our Finance department in Fieldfisher's Belfast office.

A bit about the role

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in the management of the firms’ finance accounts in accordance with the SRA Accounts rules whilst also adhering to all the usual regulations, which apply to all forms of accounting – including HMRC’s MTD for VAT legislation and Anti-Money Laundering Directives. As the client account cashier, you will also be responsible for:

• Checking, banking and posting all Client/currency and Deposit receipts
• Checking and processing all Client/currency/deposit payment requisitions
• Checking and processing all inter-ledgers transfers i.e. Client to Bill, Client to Disbursement, Client to Deposit, Client to Client. This can also include setting up of Money Market Deposits
• Investigating unidentified cheques received and trying to resolve promptly
• Assisting the client account team with opening & closing of bank accounts including joint and escrow/deposits
• Assisting with all internal requests and queries
• Ensure compliance with Solicitors Accounts Rules are met and notify any breaches to the firm's COFA
• Other ad-hoc duties as required including assistance with Year-end audits with our external auditors
• Investigating/returning of funds and liaising with partners on residual balances on client account
• Producing cash statements and reports as required
• Daily bank reconciliation
• Lawyer checks
• Calculate and post both manual and compound interest
• Reconcile legal aid posting and distributions

A bit about you

• Can primarily demonstrate a strong experience in client account cashiering and in particular has recent experience of a similar client cashiering role in a legal firm (Ideally)
• Can demonstrate a strong understanding of control environments and can identify control weaknesses. In particular, needs to be able to demonstrate a strong knowledge and application of current Solicitors Accounts Rules and AML procedures
• Can demonstrate strong IT systems knowledge and a good use of excel capabilities
• Can develop strong internal working relationships with the finance team, fee-earners and secretaries as well as strong external relationships with bank contacts
• Can demonstrate a good ability to pick-up and understand the requirements of the role quickly
• Must be able to communicate effectively and in a professional and personable manner - this is a key role in a key area for the firm and so must be professional and presentable at all times
• Needs to have strong numeracy, communication and interaction skills with a strong attention to detail
• Strong ability and work ethic to meet deadlines under pressure