Leah Green

I have been training to be a legal cashier within a solicitors accounts department for the past five years. In this time, I have completed my AAT Level 2 in Accounting and I now am currently studying my ILFM Level 2 Bookkeeping for Legal Finance Professionals. I would like to keep progressing within an accounts department, as it is a job I enjoy as it is challenging yet rewarding.

In my current job, I have numerous different legal cashiering roles, which

I undertake all independently. I am responsible for managing the financial transactions within our law firm in compliance with strict regulatory rules. Some of my duties are listed below:

Dealing with Office/Client Accounts

-Recording all financial transactions accurately (receipts, payments, transfers).

-Managing client money separately from office funds.

- Monitoring balances to prevent breaches of client account rules.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

-Complying with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Accounts Rules or equivalent professional regulations.

-Ensure correct treatment of residual balances, disbursements and bill payments.

Banking and Reconciliation:

-Preparing and processing bank deposits and electronic payments.

-Reconciling bank statements (client and office) regularly.

-Managing petty cash reconciliations.

Billing and Financial Administration:

-Preparing invoices and credit notes.

-Allocating bill payments and monitoring unpaid bills.

-Assisting Fee Earners/Partners/secretaries with financial queries.

Risk Management and Internal Controls:

-Monitoring for potential fraud or money-laundering issues.

-Ensuring correct authorisation and documentation for all transactions.

-Maintaining accurate and secure financial records.

Liaison and Support:

-Working closely with solicitors, partners, and secretaries.

-Handling finance-related queries from staff and clients.

I left school at 16 and applied for a full time reception job/apprenticeship within the same firm I now work accounts. I trained to be a receptionist for just over two years completing my Level 2 Business Administration course. I expressed to my employer I was unsure what area of work I wanted to progress into, but was open to any challenge. I still cover reception when needed; illness, annual leave.

I have the following knowledge of reception duties:

-Greeting clients, visitors, and staff in a professional and friendly manner.

-Managing incoming calls, emails, and enquiries; directing them to the appropriate departments.

-Scheduling and coordinating appointments, meetings, and room bookings.

-Handling front-desk administration such as logging visitors, issuing passes, and maintaining reception area.

-Managing incoming and outgoing post and deliveries.

-Providing general administrative support, including filing, data entry, and document preparation.

- Assisting with client care by offering information, refreshments, and support where needed.

- Ensuring a positive first impression by maintaining a tidy, organised, and welcoming reception environment.