Introduction

To provide efficient, accurate and timely support to the finance function, including daytoday bookkeeping activities, processing of accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and accounting records. The role contributes to financial controls and record-keeping and supports the firm’s compliance framework.

About the Employer

Richard Reed Solicitors is forward thinking, team centred, values driven, award winning and expanding law firm based centrally in Sunderland.

Our motto is ‘Big enough to know, small enough to care’.

We put people at the heart of our firm, with a clear, structured career‐progression framework for every role. You’ll have defined evaluation criteria, regular check-ins to support your Development Plan, and opportunities to grow-whether that means earning industry-recognised accreditations, mastering new technical skills, or honing your leadership and business-development capabilities.

Our firm was established in 1948 and has for a long time been, and continues to be, the go to Solicitors practice for both individuals and businesses seeking legal advice in and around the Sunderland area.

As a Lexcel accredited practice, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding client care and excellent quality legal services whilst offering our employees an enjoyable and supportive working environment.

Our busy and expert team cover: Family Law Wills, Trusts & Probate Dispute Resolution Corporate & Commercial Property (Residential and Commercial) Agricultural Law Employment & HR Notary Public services.

What You'll Do

Process supplier invoices and credit notes, in accordance with firm policies and procedures
Allocate receipts, maintain debtor records and monitor aged receivables
Assist with credit control activities, including polite and professional follow-up with clients/customers in accordance with internal protocols
Support the resolution of billing queries, escalating where appropriate. Post bank transactions and maintain accurate cashbook records
Perform regular bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies promptly
Assist with management of petty cash (where applicable), including reconciliations and controls
Process staff expense claims in line with policy and verify supporting receipts
Ensure correct VAT treatment (where applicable) and coding to cost centres/matters/projects as required
Follow internal procedures designed to support compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and the firm’s COFA framework
Maintain financial records in accordance with SRA accounts rules, data protection requirements and the firm’s retention policies
Provide administrative support to the finance team, including filing, scanning, and responding to internal queries
Undertake other reasonable finance-related tasks consistent with the role and business needs Maintain accurate records within accounting software including Leap and Xero
Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
Operate within defined procedures and approval limits
May recommend payment scheduling and propose corrections to postings/coding; final approvals remain with Finance Manager
Escalates discrepancies, control failures, suspected fraud indicators, or material errors promptly to the Finance Manager
Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion when handling client, matter and finance-related information, including any personal data
Ensure all such information is managed in accordance with UK GDPR requirements, internal policies and information security procedures, including secure storage and controlled access to finance records

This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check and probationary period.

Training Outcome

The role includes career progression for the right candidate progressing over time to management level by way of working towards Level 4 AAT qualifications and relevant accreditations.

Skills Required

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental

Qualifications

Essential - GCSE - English - 4
Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4
Essential - A Level - Maths - C or above

Course Information

Course: Accounts or finance assistant (level 2)

Level: 2

Route: Legal, finance and accounting

Apprenticeship Level: Intermediate

Working Arrangements

Working Week: 35 hours per week. Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm, with 1-hour lunch.

Expected Duration: 1 Year

Training Provider: ACCESS TRAINING LIMITED

2 Richard Reed Limited jobs in England & Wales