Legal Practice Manager

We are looking to recruit a Legal Practice Manager for a well-regarded law firm based in Bedford.

Reporting to the firms Board of Directors & CEO, the successful Practice Manager will handle a diverse and challenging workload to facilitate the delivery of the practices’ legal services.

Duties will include but are not 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.

Candidates should ideally have:-

• Previous relevant experience within a legal or professional services environment
• 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, Legal ID checks, PeopleHR, Formshare etc.