We have a fantastic opportunity for an Accounts Clerk – Entry Level to join our Finance team in Melbourne office.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Accounts Payable (AP)
- Process matter-related and non-matter related invoices accurately and in a timely manner
- Allocate costs correctly to matters in accordance with client guidelines and internal policies
- Review, code, and process supplier invoices, including disbursements and counsel fees
- Manage employee expense reimbursements, ensuring compliance with firm policies and tax requirements
- Process corporate credit card transactions and reconcile statements
- Liaise with the bank regarding Corporate Credit Cards application, cancellation, and card maintenance
- Maintenance of the Expense Management System for user's account
- Training new users on Expense Management System
- Prepare and process weekly/fortnightly payment runs
- Liaise with suppliers to resolve invoice discrepancies and payment queries
- Maintain accurate supplier records and supporting documentation
- Practice Management System (Aderant) support, assisting staff with general finance queries, such as billing, time entry, rates and other client/matter related queries
Accounts Receivable (AR)
- Receipt client payments accurately, including trust-to-office transfers where applicable
- Allocate receipts to matters and invoices in accordance with firm and regulatory requirements
- Proactively manage unallocated monies
- Assist with the issuance of client invoices and statements
- Support debt collection activities, including follow-up of overdue accounts in consultation with partners and legal teams
- Respond to internal and external AR-related queries promptly and professionally
Maintain accurate AR records and ageing reports
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Trust Accounting Exposure
- Assist with trust-related financial processes under the direction of authorised trust account personnel
- Support trust-to-office and trust-to-trust transfers, ensuring appropriate approvals and documentation are in place.
- Perform basic trust account checks and reconciliations as required
- Respond to trust-related queries from fee earners and legal administrators, escalating matters as appropriate
- CMA account opening and closure; including all CMA payment (EFT/Cheque) to Macquarie)
- Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, controls, and separation of duties when dealing with trust monies
Billing and Matter Support
- Support fee earners and legal administrators with billing, and matter cost queries
- Assist with matter setup and maintenance from a financial perspective
- Ensure compliance with client billing guidelines and agreed fee arrangements
System and Data Integrity
- Use the firm’s practice management system (Aderant) to process and record financial transactions
- Maintain high standards of data accuracy and integrity
- Assist with system reconciliations and month end processes as required
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and efficiency with AP and AR workflows
Compliance and Controls
- Ensure compliance with internal financial controls, firm policies, and relevant legal industry regulations
- Maintain confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive client and financial information
General and Team Support
- Provide general finance and Aderant support to the broader firm and finance team as needed
- Assist with ad hoc reporting and reconciliations
- Contribute positively to a collaborative and professional team culture
Other
- Ad hoc tasks as required
- Maintains cyber security at all times. Cultivate an awareness of security risks, stay informed of latest cyber threats, instil best cybersecurity practises and take practical steps to protect the firm and client from cyberattacks.
Skills/Knowledge
- Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Ability to work collaboratively with team and independently when required;
- Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Professional communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work effectively with fee earners and non-finance stakeholders
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset
- Knowledge of Aderant application is desired; and
- Knowledge of Trust and controlled money accounts is desired.
Experience
- Experience in Accounts Receivable
- Experience in Accounts Payable
- Successful completion of VCE or equivalent
Further Information
Any questions regarding the vacancy can be directed to Rhoda Siu on (03) 9609 6737 or [email protected]. For further information or to submit your application for this position please visit the careers page on our website. Please note any offer of employment made by Russell Kennedy Lawyers to the successful candidate will be subject to a police check. We are currently accepting applications from direct applicants only. No agency referrals will be accepted at this stage.
Our Firm and Culture
Russell Kennedy is a commercial law firm with more than 340 people in Melbourne and Sydney. We are committed to providing exceptional legal strategies and solutions to our clients, guided by market-leading expertise across our key sectors of focus.
As part of our team, you’ll receive hands-on experience, quality mentoring and access to valuable learning opportunities. We encourage a professional and committed work ethic, while recognising the importance of an enjoyable working environment and balanced lifestyle. We believe we have a culture where individuals of all backgrounds and abilities feel included and confident in bringing their whole selves to work, and where your talents are fostered, empowering you to contribute to the success of the firm.
Russell Kennedy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is certified as a WGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality, as well as being certified as a gold employer in the Australian Workplace Equality Index for employers with 500 or less employees. We respect and celebrate the things that make each of us different. The firm supports and promotes a range of initiatives to create an environment that is characterised by equal access and respected participation of all groups and individuals. There is a particular focus and emphasis on gender equality, inclusion of First Nations peoples, accessibility for people with disability, LGBTIQ+ inclusion, and cultural diversity. Russell Kennedy is recognised by Australian Disability Network as a Disability Confident Recruiter employer.
Russell Kennedy is committed to attracting and retaining the best talent available. We acknowledge the importance of work-life balance, all current and prospective employees have access to flexible work options and workplace adjustments including alternate accessible formats, where required. If you require an adjustment during the recruitment process please contact Leanda Nissen on 03 9609 1523 or [email protected].
Russell Kennedy Lawyers acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we meet and work. Our offices are situated on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri and Gadigal peoples. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, to their emerging leaders and to the resilience, creativity and vitality of their cultures including their laws and systems of governance.
