Head Legal Cashier

Are you an experienced Legal Cashier looking to step into a senior leadership role within a respected high street practice, offering 25 days holiday plus a birthday day off, a healthcare cashback scheme, and the opportunity to lead a small accounts team? This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on cashiering professional to combine day-to-day legal cashiering with broader financial management and strategic input.

About the Firm:

• A respected high street solicitors' practice based in Bexleyheath.
• A busy, fast-paced legal environment with a small, close-knit accounts team.
• A supportive working environment with genuine scope for professional growth.
• Committed to high standards of accuracy, compliance and client service.

Head Legal Cashier - Position Overview:

This is a full-time role commencing January 2027. The Head Legal Cashier will lead the firm's small accounts team, combining hands-on legal cashiering responsibilities with broader financial management duties, balancing operational oversight with strategic financial input.

Key Responsibilities of the Head Legal Cashier:

• Overseeing the daily operation of the accounts team, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all financial transactions in compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules.
• Maintaining client and office bank accounts, reconciling balances daily and resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Processing client payments, receipts, transfers and disbursements through the firm's case management system, and assisting fee earners with bills and credit notes.
• Preparing and submitting quarterly VAT returns to HMRC, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Coordinating and managing the annual audit, liaising with external accountants and addressing findings.
• Assisting the Finance Director with monthly management accounts, financial reports and analysis for senior management.
• Overseeing credit control procedures and assisting with debt recovery processes.
• Line-managing and supporting the accounts team, allocating work, providing mentoring and fostering professional development.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for financial queries and liaising with the firm's bankers, auditors and other external stakeholders.

Requirements of the Head Legal Cashier:

• Proven experience as a Legal Cashier, ideally at a senior or supervisory level within a solicitors' practice.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the SRA Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures.
• Experience managing VAT returns, client money audits and financial reporting.
• Hands-on experience working within a high street or similar legal environment.
• Previous experience managing or supervising an accounts team.
• Excellent knowledge of legal accounting software (e.g. SOS or similar) and proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.
• An AAT qualification (Level 3 or above) or equivalent, and knowledge of financial planning, budgeting and forecasting, would be desirable.

The Benefits for the Head Legal Cashier role:

• Competitive Salary
• 25 days holiday plus a day off for your birthday
• Pension scheme
• Employee assistance programme
• Optional healthcare cashback scheme
• Free eye tests
• Access to a retail discounts platform and staff discount on legal services
• A key role in a respected high street practice with scope for professional growth
• And more