Interested in this role? Apply without delay by uploading your CV with a covering letter.
Apply Now
Role title
Accounts Assistant
Department / Team
Accounts
Reporting Line
Finance Director
Role Purpose
To provide efficient, accurate and timely support to the finance function, including day-to-day bookkeeping activities, processing of accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and maintenance of accounting records. The role contributes to effective financial controls and record-keeping, and supports the firm’s compliance framework (including SRA Accounts Rules processes and internal policies).
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.
- 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.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in relation to client and matter financial information.
- Handle personal data in accordance with applicable UK GDPR requirements and internal policies.
- Follow information security procedures, including secure storage and controlled access to finance records.
- Operates 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.
Essential
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with ability to meet deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general accounting software.
- Professional communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to liaise effectively with other people.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively as well as independently.
- Desire to progress in a career in finance management within a law firm environment and to obtain relevant accreditation and qualifications.
- DBS Check
Desirable but not essential
-
Some experience in an account’s assistant, finance assistant, or similar
-
AAT qualification (or studying towards) or equivalent practical experience. Experience in a professional services environment (including legal, accountancy).
ABOUT RICHARD REED SOLICITORS
We are a progressive and ambitious award-winning law firm with roots going back to the 1940s. Now, in the 2020s, our forward-thinking leadership team is taking the firm to new heights with exciting plans for growth ahead.
At the very heart of those plans are our people. We understand and embrace that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to continually building an inclusive and supportive working environment. This enables our team to do their best work benefiting both our colleagues and our clients alike.
As a Lexcel-accredited practice, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding client care and high-quality legal services, while offering an enjoyable, supportive and professional working environment.
Our New Home at The Beam
We have recently relocated to The Beam, a landmark riverside development in the heart of Sunderland city centre. Our new office provides a modern, flexible and collaborative working environment, designed to support our teams as we continue to grow and innovate all within easy reach of local amenities, transport links and the wider business community.
OUR CORE VALUES
Our firm’s values influence, guide and shape everything we do — for our clients and for each other. We are:
Results driven
We get the job done. Our team is motivated and driven to succeed, putting passion and energy into every case to achieve positive outcomes for our clients.
Agile
No two people or businesses are the same. We adapt our approach and services to meet the needs of our clients and our colleagues.
Proactive
We work collaboratively to anticipate, identify and prevent problems before they arise.
Teamwork
We believe in the power of collaboration. Our people bring together their expertise and experience to deliver the best possible advice and support at every stage.
Supportive
We value open communication and mutual respect. We listen, share ideas and work together to find solutions.
WHY JOIN OUR FIRM
- Be part of our exciting future
- Truly make a difference within our local communities
- Be supported by friendly, knowledgeable colleagues who share the same values
- Ongoing career development through in-house and external training
- Regular appraisals and feedback
- Competitive, market-rate salaries
- 27 days’ holiday
- Christmas Eve off
- Office closure between Christmas and New Year
- Pension
- Death in service insurance
- Regular social events
- Employee high-street discounts app (Reward Me Now)
- Discounted legal services for employees
WORKING IN SUNDERLAND
Thanks to ongoing regeneration, more and more talented professionals are choosing to grow their careers in Sunderland.
It is a dynamic place to work, live and enjoy — offering a welcoming culture alongside major investment and development across the city. Sunderland boasts fantastic cafés, restaurants, bars, museums, parks, sports facilities and, unlike many other cities, a beautiful coastline.
The city is exceptionally well connected:
By car: Accessible via the A1(M), A19, A690, A184 and Tyne Tunnel, with direct links to Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough, London and Scotland.
By rail: Sunderland railway station is centrally located and connected via the Metro, with easy access on foot, by bus or car.
Role title
Accounts Assistant
Department / Team
Accounts
Reporting Line
Finance Director
Role Purpose
To provide efficient, accurate and timely support to the finance function, including day-to-day bookkeeping activities, processing of accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, and maintenance of accounting records. The role contributes to effective financial controls and record-keeping, and supports the firm’s compliance framework (including SRA Accounts Rules processes and internal policies).
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.
- 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.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion in relation to client and matter financial information.
- Handle personal data in accordance with applicable UK GDPR requirements and internal policies.
- Follow information security procedures, including secure storage and controlled access to finance records.
- Operates 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.
Essential
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with ability to meet deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general accounting software.
- Professional communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to liaise effectively with other people.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work collaboratively as well as independently.
- Desire to progress in a career in finance management within a law firm environment and to obtain relevant accreditation and qualifications.
- DBS Check
Desirable but not essential
-
Some experience in an account’s assistant, finance assistant, or similar
-
AAT qualification (or studying towards) or equivalent practical experience. Experience in a professional services environment (including legal, accountancy).
ABOUT RICHARD REED SOLICITORS
We are a progressive and ambitious award-winning law firm with roots going back to the 1940s. Now, in the 2020s, our forward-thinking leadership team is taking the firm to new heights with exciting plans for growth ahead.
At the very heart of those plans are our people. We understand and embrace that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to continually building an inclusive and supportive working environment. This enables our team to do their best work benefiting both our colleagues and our clients alike.
As a Lexcel-accredited practice, we pride ourselves on delivering outstanding client care and high-quality legal services, while offering an enjoyable, supportive and professional working environment.
Our New Home at The Beam
We have recently relocated to The Beam, a landmark riverside development in the heart of Sunderland city centre. Our new office provides a modern, flexible and collaborative working environment, designed to support our teams as we continue to grow and innovate all within easy reach of local amenities, transport links and the wider business community.
OUR CORE VALUES
Our firm’s values influence, guide and shape everything we do — for our clients and for each other. We are:
Results driven
We get the job done. Our team is motivated and driven to succeed, putting passion and energy into every case to achieve positive outcomes for our clients.
Agile
No two people or businesses are the same. We adapt our approach and services to meet the needs of our clients and our colleagues.
Proactive
We work collaboratively to anticipate, identify and prevent problems before they arise.
Teamwork
We believe in the power of collaboration. Our people bring together their expertise and experience to deliver the best possible advice and support at every stage.
Supportive
We value open communication and mutual respect. We listen, share ideas and work together to find solutions.
WHY JOIN OUR FIRM
- Be part of our exciting future
- Truly make a difference within our local communities
- Be supported by friendly, knowledgeable colleagues who share the same values
- Ongoing career development through in-house and external training
- Regular appraisals and feedback
- Competitive, market-rate salaries
- 27 days’ holiday
- Christmas Eve off
- Office closure between Christmas and New Year
- Pension
- Death in service insurance
- Regular social events
- Employee high-street discounts app (Reward Me Now)
- Discounted legal services for employees
WORKING IN SUNDERLAND
Thanks to ongoing regeneration, more and more talented professionals are choosing to grow their careers in Sunderland.
It is a dynamic place to work, live and enjoy — offering a welcoming culture alongside major investment and development across the city. Sunderland boasts fantastic cafés, restaurants, bars, museums, parks, sports facilities and, unlike many other cities, a beautiful coastline.
The city is exceptionally well connected:
By car: Accessible via the A1(M), A19, A690, A184 and Tyne Tunnel, with direct links to Newcastle, Durham, Middlesbrough, London and Scotland.
By rail: Sunderland railway station is centrally located and connected via the Metro, with easy access on foot, by bus or car.
Apply Now
Interested in this role? Apply without delay by uploading your CV with a covering letter.