Manager - Accounts

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Manager - Accounts to oversee the accounting, trust accounting, billing, compliance, and financial administration functions of a boutique legal practice. This role is ideal for someone who is highly organised, capable of managing day-to-day financial operations independently, and confident working within the specialised accounting and regulatory requirements of a legal environment. You will work closely with senior leadership while supporting lawyers, paralegals, external accountants, auditors, and regulatory bodies to ensure financial accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.

Ideal Profile

Accounting & Financial Expertise

• Experience in bookkeeping, accounting, accounts administration, office management, or a similar finance-focused role
• Strong understanding of accounts payable, accounts receivable, reconciliations, payroll, superannuation, and end-of-month billing processes
• Ability to manage accounting functions accurately and independently
• Experience handling confidential financial and client information with discretion and professionalism

Legal & Compliance Experience

• Experience within a law firm, legal practice, or professional services environment is highly regarded
• Knowledge of trust accounting and Australian legal trust account requirements
• Experience preparing for trust audits and working with external auditors is advantageous
• Familiarity with legal billing, disbursements, cost recoveries, and matter-based accounting
• Understanding of regulatory compliance, professional memberships, practising certificates, and legal practice administration

Systems & Software

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams
• Experience using LEAP or similar legal practice management and accounting software
• Familiarity with Monday.com or similar workflow and debtor management platforms
• Experience with accounting, payroll, and reporting systems within professional services environments

Soft Skills

• Honest, trustworthy, professional, and dependable
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Positive, adaptable, and collaborative approach to work
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to build effective working relationships
• Practical problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset

Responsibilities

Bookkeeping, Accounting & Financial Administration

• Manage the firm's day-to-day accounting operations, including accounts payable and receivable
• Reconcile office accounts, company cards, and related financial records
• Process payroll, superannuation, petty cash, and financial administration activities
• Liaise with accountants, auditors, and relevant third parties
• Manage tax, ASIC, and other regulatory payments
• Monitor budgets, office expenditure, financial records, and aged debtors
• Produce financial and operational reports, including reports generated through legal practice systems
• Manage payments to barristers, suppliers, contractors, and external vendors

Trust Accounting & Compliance

• Prepare and process trust payments and trust receipts
• Manage trust fund requests and controlled money accounts
• Ensure trust accounting complies with Australian Legal Profession Regulations
• Complete monthly trust account reconciliations and reporting
• Prepare for annual trust audits and maintain compliant trust accounting records

End-of-Month Billing & Matter Accounting

• Manage matter accounting throughout the billing cycle
• Coordinate end-of-month billing processes with legal teams
• Review time entries, cost recoveries, disbursements, and anticipated payments
• Prepare, review, and finalise client invoices
• Maintain billing records and debtor management systems
• Follow up outstanding debtors and third-party invoices where required

Office, Vendor & Administrative Management

• Support management of insurances, practising certificates, memberships, and licensing renewals
• Maintain staff leave records and administrative documentation
• Coordinate office facilities, lease arrangements, maintenance, and vendor contracts
• Support document management systems and legal practice software
• Assist with matter opening, archiving, and file retention processes
• Contribute to policy development and continuous process improvements

Compliance, Governance & Legal Practice Administration

• Support compliance with legal, privacy, workplace, OH&S, and professional standards requirements
• Assist with regulatory obligations involving relevant legal governing bodies
• Maintain professional development and certification records where required
• Support audit preparation, regulatory inspections, and governance activities
• Assist with legal documentation, trust requests, and administrative correspondence

How we take care of our team

• 💰 Get paid in Australian Dollars
• 🏥 Medical insurance from day one for you + spouse (or parents if unmarried)
• 🩺 Generous OPD coverage from doctor visits to all your medical needs
• 🏡 Home office setup allowance to build your ideal workspace
• 🌐 Internet allowance to keep you connected
• 💪 Gym & wellness allowance to stay fit and balanced
• 🎉 Regular team events & engagement activities
• 🧠 Diji Assist – Mental health & counseling support when you need it
• 📚 Reimbursement for industry certifications
• 🗣️ Open-door culture – your ideas and feedback always matter
• 🌍 Flexible work – home or office, wherever you do your best work
• 🏆 Rewards & recognition that actually recognize you
• 🥳 Great Christmas & financial year-end parties to unwind with your loved ones