Senior Legal Bookkeeper

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Daily Responsibilities:

·        Writing up, preparing, and maintaining books of accounts for trust and business accounts to Trial Balance

·        Section 86 (4) and Investments.

·        FIC Compliance Duties/Responsibilities

·        Month End Procedure: Law Firm (Trust & Business).

·        Regulation of petty cash

·        Banking of cash deposits if any

·        Reconciling Business Creditors.

·        Reconciling of Legal Creditors (Advocates, Correspondents & Sheriff)

·        Supervising of junior bookkeepers in respect of payments, postings, capturing & allocations

·        Preparing debtors reconciliations & reports.

·        Processing of all journals and fees & verification of same.

·        Reconciling cashbooks on all bank accounts

·        Preparation and facilitate of Audit for Trust, Business

·        Financial Year End & Auditors Entries / Journals.

·        Reconciliation and submission of VAT & Taxes for law firm

·        Capturing of EFT payments

·        Trust to Business Transfers (Fees from Trust Account to Business Account).

·        Review of Firm Insurance (Assets & Life & Company Provident Fund).

·        Payroll

·        Payroll statutory submissions

·        All Law Society matters & reconciliations (Fidelity Fund Certificates & Trust Account Interest)

·        Attending to debtor & creditor queries

 Management Reports:

·        Cashflow Reports.

·        Forecasting / Projection reports (Financial Planning & Budgets – Monthly & Yearly).

·        Monthly Fee Appropriation Reports (Fee Earner Profitability – Totals & Percentages).

·        Monthly Cost Centre Reports (Directors’ / Shareholders’ Profitability).

·        Monthly Payroll Reports & Directors’ Remuneration.

·        Income & Expenditure Statement & Support Reporting

Financial Management:

·Working closely with the Managing Director with regards to Financial Management of the Firm to enable the Directors to enforce important management / business decisions based on the Senior Bookkeeper’s strong financial guidance and influence.

Financial Record Keeping:

·Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records, including ledgers, journals, and financial statements.

Compliance and Audits:

·        Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, legal regulations, and internal policies.

·        Prepare documentation and support for internal and external audits.

·        Implement and monitor internal controls to prevent financial discrepancies and fraud.

Payroll Management:

·Assisting with the payroll process, including the calculation of commission and distribution of salaries and benefits.

·Ensure compliance with tax laws and employment regulations.

Administrative Support:

·        Provide financial advice and support to attorneys and management.

·        Assist with the preparation of financial documentation for legal cases and client meetings.

·        Handle confidential financial information with discretion and integrity.

Systems and Processes:

·        Utilize accounting software systems (Ghost Practice) to streamline financial processes.

·        Identify and implement improvements to accounting practices and procedures.

·        Stay updated on changes in accounting standards and best practices.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

·Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field.

·Professional bookkeeping certification or accounting qualification (e.g., SAIPA, CIMA, ACCA) is highly desirable.

·Minimum of 5 years of experience in bookkeeping or accounting, preferably within a legal or professional services environment.

·Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial regulations, and trust account management.

·Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage, Ghost Practice) and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word).

·Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work independently.

·Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

·Effective communication skills and the ability to interact with various stakeholders.