Compliance Manager / Practice Manager

Kidwells Group; Hereford, Bristol, Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000

Job description

Position: Compliance Manager / Practice Manager

Reports to: Practice Director & Operations Director

Days of Work: Mon – Fri

Hours of Work: 08.30 – 17.00

Salary: From £35,000 (Depending on Experience)

Location: Hereford or Bristol

This role involves overseeing financial operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and improving operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include leading the finance and business support teams, managing compliance with SRA and FCA regulations, and ensuring accreditation standards are met. Additionally, the role includes improving workflows, managing risk assessments, and representing the firm in external meetings. Strong leadership and organisational skills are essential.

The role will work across the Hereford, Bristol, and Cheltenham offices and will vary in workplaces depending on the projects being undertaken.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the financial operations of the client account
• Monitor and manage accounts, ensuring timely payments and reconciliations.
• Monitor and oversee financial processes
• Understand and manage AML – Including the yearly audit
• Monitor and manage our completion process including payment workflows and source of funds.
• Understand and work to compliance under SRA and FCA regulations
• Analysing clients’ sales and costs to produce advance analysis
• Work accurately towards strict targets and deadlines
• Manage the finance team by providing training, setting targets and deadlines.

Business Support

• Manage the business support team by overseeing processes and assisting with issues.
• Oversee record processes within the Practice Management System
• Monitor and assess current administration workflows and look at continuous improvement of the role.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Oversee regulatory compliance, by managing the compliance team ensuring adherence to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) standards and other legal requirements.
• Manage the firm’s compliance policies, including anti-money laundering (AML) and data protection (GDPR).
• Conduct regular risk assessments and audits, implementing improvements where necessary.
• Ensure all team members are informed and trained on compliance requirements.

Accreditation

• CQS – Manage and ensure all policies and procedures are in line with the CQS accreditation.
• LEXCEL – Yearly we have an audit of our company handbook, which is from LEXCEL, the candidate will be responsible for ensuring everything is prepared in line with the audit as well as liaise with the auditors.

Operational Efficiency

• Develop and implement systems and processes to improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with department heads to identify and address operational challenges.
• Oversee projects related to office relocations, expansions, or system upgrades.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Act as a key liaison between departments, promoting collaboration and effective communication.
• Provide leadership and support to team members, fostering a positive and high-performing work environment.
• Represent the firm in meetings with external stakeholders and clients as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Attitude

• Proactive Problem-Solver
  • Anticipates challenges and takes initiative to find effective solutions.
• Detail-Oriented
  • Ensures accuracy and thoroughness in operational processes.
• Encourages teamwork and fosters a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Resilient Under Pressure
  • Maintains focus and composure in high-pressure situations, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met.
• Ethical and Accountable
  • Demonstrates integrity in decision-making and takes responsibility for outcomes.
• Adaptable and Flexible
  • Embraces change and is open to new ideas and processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strategic Thinker
  • Balances immediate priorities with long-term goals, aligning actions with the firm’s overall strategy.
• Client-Focused
  • Understands the importance of excellent service and ensures that operations support a client-centric approach.

Experience

• Operational Management
  • Proven experience managing / supervising day-to-day operations in a professional services or legal environment.
  • Experience streamlining processes to improve efficiency and productivity.

Knowledge

• Understanding of strategic planning processes to align operations with business goals.
• Knowledge of KPIs to evaluate operational success.
• High attention to detail.

Note: This job list is not exhaustive and will be subject to periodic review. It may be amended to meet the changing needs of the business. The Post-holder will be expected to participate in this process and we will aim to reach an agreement on any changes.