Legal Practice Manager

Legal Practice Manager - Job Description
The Role
Reporting to the Board of Directors & CEO, the successful Practice Manager will handle a diverse and challenging workload to facilitate the delivery of the practice's legal services.

Duties may include but not be limited to:
* Management of the finance department and reception staff
* Day-to-day and annual responsibility for the firm's accounts
* Advice on regulatory compliance
* Organisation of the firm's insurance, accreditations and practising certificate renewals
* Attending Board Meetings
* Negotiating with third party suppliers and developing organisational and performance systems.

This is an expansive position that requires attention to detail in multiple areas:
* Excellent organisational skills and the ability to find solutions to complex issues is essential. This is a hands-on role suited to a dedicated professional who thrives under pressure and would like to become an integral part of the continued success of the company.

Candidates should ideally have:
* Previous relevant experience within a legal or professional services environment
* A working knowledge of the Solicitor Accounts Rules and an overview of the general obligations of the SRA Handbook
* A comprehensive understanding of GAAP and accrual accounting
* Experience with COFA and COLP duties and responsibilities and assume COFA role in due course
* Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
* Previous experience with drafting policies and procedures
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to collaborate with colleagues and with outside organisations
* The ability to adhere to and manage deadlines with minimal supervision
* Strong IT skills and previous experience with case management systems (P4W experience would be highly beneficial)

Main Responsibilities
* Management of accounts team, reception staff/post room
* Prepare and provide information to the firm's accountants for annual SAR's audit and year end Accounts
* Proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks including GDPR, accounts breaches etc
* Change and project management
* Ensure the office environment is professional, efficient and productive by proactively finding solutions
* Lexcel applications and reaccreditation
* Internal training to ensure Lexcel compliance
* Drafting, reviewing and updating our various policies in collaboration with others as and when required and in line with Lexcel, CQS and SRA guidelines
* Support the firm's marketing efforts, including managing social media accounts, website updates, online reviews, and promotional materials
* Monitor financial performance and provide regular reports to the management team
* VAT returns
* Corporation Tax instalments
* Payroll supervision
* NI/Tax payments due to HMRC
* Maintain/update staff benefits scheme
* CQS applications
* Practising certificate bulk renewal application
* PII renewal
* Cyber Insurance renewal
* Office Insurance renewal
* Finance arrangements
* SRA applications when required
* Team appraisals
* Provide support to staff in relation to software/systems including P4W, Bundledocs, Legl ID checks, PeopleHR, Formshare etc.