Client Money Officer

My Client is looking to recruit a Client Money Officer to join our Finance Compliance team in either Sheffield or Leeds.

The Finance Compliance team acts as the second line of defense, tasked with implementing and ensuring adherence to a strong financial controls framework throughout the firm's international operations. The primary objective is to manage financial risks proactively.

In this role, the Client Money Officer will work closely with the Senior Client Money Officer to ensure compliance with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules in the UK, as well as similar regulations across other regions. The role involves regularly reviewing key control activities, such as residual client balance reporting and bank reconciliations.

Additionally, the position includes implementing a structured training program, updating client money policies, maintaining ongoing communication with various business units, and developing a client money control framework. Another key focus will be identifying opportunities for process improvements within existing compliance functions and challenging established practices.

The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor to the business and must have a deep understanding of the SRA Accounts Rules, along with relevant experience in this area. The ability to handle client money inquiries independently and build strong working relationships across the organisation is crucial.

**Key Responsibilities**

- Serve as a key advisor on client money compliance, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations.

- Collaborate with local and central finance teams to raise awareness about client money controls and share best practices.

- Assist in developing a client money assurance framework, defining key controls and assigning responsibilities.

- Develop and deliver training programs on client money regulations and emerging issues for international teams.

- Review monthly international bank reconciliations with a focus on identifying potential client money issues.

- Support the renewal of licenses for the UK business.

- Conduct regular reviews of client money processes, including residual client balances and breach logs.

- Provide clear, timely reporting on client money compliance issues, including findings from reconciliations and other reviews.

- Assist in researching, drafting, and implementing international client money policies in collaboration with the Senior Financial Compliance Manager.

- Keep up to date with regulatory changes and ensure key knowledge is shared across the team.

- Support external audits related to SRA Accounts Rules compliance.

- Work with internal legal teams on matters related to client money compliance.

**Skills and Experience**

- In-depth knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules is essential.

- Experience in compliance or financial operations, such as legal cashiering, within the legal sector.

- Proven experience in building strong control environments within the legal industry.

- Knowledge of international client money rules is an advantage but not required.

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels of the business.

- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle complex compliance matters while maintaining strong relationships.

- Ability to produce clear and concise reports.

- Proficiency in IT tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

- Able to work independently and as part of a team in a collaborative environment.