Accounts Assistant - Cashier

The cashiering team is responsible for managing and maintaining the books and records of all Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP group companies to include all client ledger and general ledger transactions.

The objectives of the Accounts Assistant (Legal Cashier) will include, but not be limited to, all duties as noted in this advert, whilst always ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements (HMRC VAT rules, The Law Society of Scotland Solicitors’ Accounts Rules and The Solicitors Regulation Authority Accounts Rules).

This position is to join our Edinburgh office (hybrid working) on a permanent, full-time basis.

You will be expected to be able to accurately and efficiently undertake all standard legal cashiering duties, to include;

• Allocating and processing all bank receipts (Client & Office Account).
• Reviewing and setting up all electronic payment types (CHAPS, BACS, Fast Pay & International) on the firm’s various electronic banking platforms. This will also involve a thorough review to ensure all Anti-Money Laundering requirements have been met prior to processing payments.
• Process various accounting transactions to the firm’s financial management system including all payments, receipts, transfers and bill payments for both client & office accounts. This will also include disbursement transfers, bill reversals and third-party cheques as well as dealing with the firm’s bulk transactional uploads throughout the day.
• All opening, closing and day to day transactional movement in relation to the firm’s client designated bank accounts using the relevant banking platform.
• Reviewing cheque requests and ensuring these are authorised in line with the firm’s internal policy and produced within the firm’s approved timescales.
• Carrying out all remedial action required on outstanding items as identified by the daily bank reconciliation process. This will include investigating and resolving any unmatched items, cancelling any cheques which are over 6 months old and returning unallocated funds as per the firm’s agreed internal procedures.
• Working directly with Directors / Partners / Fee Earners and various other staff as required on all aspects of client or firm transactions.
• Preparation and submission of the firm’s regular cheque & cash banking.
• Running the firm’s monthly client account system interest calculator and any daily ad-hoc interest calculations that may be required from time to time.
• Electronically file all daily working documentation as required to ensure immediate access for regulatory audit purposes.
• Provide any required support during the completion of the firm’s annual audit cycle.
• Attending team meetings and contributing to any group discussions on cashroom procedures and ensuring all process documentation is kept up-to-date at all times.
• To assist with all ad-hoc departmental duties which may arise from time to time.

* Please note that all duties will be carried out on a rotational basis alongside other members of the cashiering team and full training and support will be provided.

• Previous experience as a Legal Cashier in a high volume transactional team is desirable.
• Knowledge of the Law Society of Scotland and SRA Solicitors’ Accounts Rules is desirable.
• Enthusiasm, accuracy and a sharp eye for detail will be essential.
• Knowledge and understanding of current HMRC VAT and Anti-Money Laundering regulations would be beneficial.
• Comfortable working as part of a team but also able to perform to your own initiative when required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfortable communicating clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Comfortable with the current, and potentially future, remote working requirements.
• You’ll be confident in your own judgement and skills, but also able to know when it’s necessary to call upon the help and expertise of others.
• It is essential that you have strong organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure in a busy and demanding environment to strict timescales will be fundamental.
• A working knowledge of the Aderant practice management system is desirable but not essential.
• You will be proficient with Word, Excel and Outlook.
• We are looking…