Accounts Assistant, Operations Team

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Accounts Assistant to join our finance team. This full-time, office-based role is critical to ensuring the smooth running of our financial operations and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. The successful candidate will support the Accounts Manager and work closely with a small, dynamic team of part-time finance staff.

At Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP), our mission is to Transform, Succeed, and Prosper—not only for our clients but also for our people and the wider community. We operate with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to fostering growth and opportunity for everyone within the firm. Collaboration, professionalism, and agility define our working environment, and we strive to empower our teams to deliver excellent results while supporting their personal and professional development.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is confident working with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), has familiarity with the Institute of Legal Finance & Management (ILFM), and is ready to take on responsibilities that include providing cover for the Accounts Manager during holidays or absences. While this role is predominantly office-based due to the nature of the work, we embrace flexibility where business needs allow.

The Firm

Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) is a LEXCEL accredited, Legal 500 recommended practice with 9 Legal 500 recommended lawyers. The firm has a long history in North Essex and has ambitious plans to grow further over the next five years.

The firm has a strong commitment to personal and professional development for our staff as well as putting the client experience at the heart of everything we do.

With strong ties to the local community, and recognising our corporate and social responsibility, all members of the firm are encouraged to develop links with local charities and participate in fundraising and community based activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Example and Typical Compliance and Operations:
  • Adhering to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
  • Recording cheques and managing banking processes.
  • Administration and reconciliation of petty cash.
  • Preparing and distributing cheques.
  • Processing and setting up BACS payments via Lloyds Commercial.
  • Posting financial transactions to P4W software.
• Supplier and Records Management:
  • Administering the supplier system, including invoice entry and payments.
  • Coordinating file archiving and correspondence with MJF for collection and destruction schedules.
• Financial Reporting and Support:
  • Assisting with completion statements, entering bills, and managing completion monies (post-training).
  • Supporting the Accounts Manager and covering duties during holidays or absences.
• General Finance Tasks:
  • Undertaking other financial and administrative duties as required.

About You

The ideal candidate will:

• Be proactive, detail-oriented, and confident in managing financial operations.
• Have a strong understanding of basic accounting principles and experience adhering to SRA.
• Preferably have awareness or experience with ILFM standards and practices.
• Be confident in using financial software such as P4W and Excel.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Thrive in a team environment while being capable of managing independent workloads.
• Have prior experience in a financial or accounts role, with enthusiasm to grow professionally.

The Package

We offer a competitive salary, depending on level of experience and ability.

Other benefits include:

• We offer a full time annual holiday entitlement of 22 days, plus Bank Holidays, with an additional 3 days for the Christmas to New Year closure. The annual holiday entitlement is pro-rated for part time staff.
• Death in service from day 1 of employment.
• Group income protection from day 1 of employment.
• A medical benefits scheme and Employee Assistance Programme upon successful completion of probation period.
• Firm sick pay policy paying up to 10 working days on a rolling year basis (pro-rated for part time staff), following the successful completion of probation period.
• Opportunity for additional holiday for long service, 1 day after 5 years and another 1 day at 10 years.
• A friendly and social environment enhanced with regular social events provided by the firm.
• We offer a staff pension scheme with Scottish Widows that you will be auto-enrolled after you have completed 3 months service.

Additional Information

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