Deputy Accounts Manager – Operations – Colchester

About us

Thompson Smith and Puxon (TSP) is a long-established regional law firm serving individuals, families, businesses, farmers, landowners and organisations across Essex, Suffolk and beyond.

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.

As a progressive independent firm, we are committed to operating with integrity, professionalism and innovation. Through our TSP2030 strategy, we continue to invest in our people, technology and working environment, creating opportunities for our teams to develop, grow and thrive. Collaboration, agility and continuous improvement are at the heart of our culture, and we are passionate about supporting both personal and professional development while delivering outstanding results for our clients.

Role overview

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Deputy Accounts Manager to join our Accounts team on a full-time basis at our Colchester office.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal finance professional seeking to progress their career within a well-established and respected law firm.

The role

As Deputy Accounts Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the Accounts Manager in the effective day-to-day running of the firm's finance function. Working within a busy and professional legal environment, you will help ensure the highest standards of financial control, regulatory compliance, and client service are maintained across all accounting activities.

This varied and hands-on position combines operational responsibility with team leadership, providing support and guidance to members of the Accounts team while working closely with partners, fee earners, support staff, auditors, banks, and external suppliers. You will be involved in all aspects of legal accounting, including client and office account management, banking, reconciliations, financial reporting, compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules, and supplier administration.

The successful candidate will act as a trusted deputy to the Accounts Manager, taking ownership of key finance processes and providing leadership during periods of absence. This role offers an excellent opportunity for an experienced legal finance professional to further develop their management skills and contribute to the continued success and growth of the firm.

Key responsibilities

Finance operations and compliance

Support the Accounts Manager in the day-to-day management of the firm's finance function.
Ensure compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules 2019 (SAR), anti-money laundering requirements, and internal financial controls.
Monitor client and office account transactions, ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Process banking transactions, including electronic payments and transfers through Lloyds Commercial Banking.
Oversee the recording of cheques, banking activities, and petty cash administration.
Review and post financial transactions accurately within Practice Management and Accounts systems, including P4W.
Assist with the preparation and maintenance of finance policies and procedures.
Prepare and review completion statements, bills, transfers, and completion monies.

Team leadership and support

Provide day-to-day guidance and support to members of the Accounts team.
Assist with workload allocation, training, and development of Accounts staff.
Promote high standards of customer service when supporting partners, fee earners, and support teams.
Act as deputy for the Accounts Manager during holidays, sickness absence, and other periods of leave.
Support the Accounts Manager with the day to day management of the Accounts Team.

Financial management and reporting

Assist with monthly management accounts preparation and financial reporting.
Support month-end and year-end processes, including reconciliations and audit preparation.
Monitor and reconcile client and office account balances.
Assist with cash flow monitoring and forecasting activities.
Support the production of financial information for partners and senior management.
Ensure retention log is up to date and compliant
Identify and deal with potential residual balances

Supplier and records management

Oversee supplier account administration, including accurate invoice processing, payment runs, and reconciliation of supplier statements.
Manage relationships with external suppliers and service providers.
Coordinate file archiving arrangements and liaise with external providers regarding collection, storage, and destruction schedules.

General responsibilities

Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective operation of the accounts department and wider firm.

Experience, skills & attributes

The ideal candidate will:

Have substantial experience working within a legal finance environment.
Possess a thorough understanding of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and legal accounting procedures.
Ideally hold, or be working towards, a relevant finance qualification or have experience aligned with Institute of Legal Finance & Management (ILFM) standards.
Demonstrate previous experience supervising or mentoring team members.
Be confident using legal accounts and practice management systems, including P4W, together with advanced Excel skills.
Have excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
Be capable of managing competing priorities and meeting deadlines within a busy professional services environment.
Demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills when working with colleagues, partners, clients, auditors, and external stakeholders.
Show initiative, sound judgement, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

The package

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

Other benefits include:

22 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, with an additional 3 days for the Christmas to New Year closure (pro-rated for part time staff).
Death in service and Group income protection.
Workplace pension scheme with Scottish Widows after 3 months’ service, including enhanced and salary sacrifice options.
Health cash plan and employee assistance programme.
Firm sick pay policy.
Opportunity for additional holiday with long service.

Equal opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds. Recruitment is based on merit, skills, and suitability for the role.

To apply

To apply for this position please send your covering letter and CV to recruitment@tsplegal.com.