Accounts Apprentice

• Process supplier invoices and credit notes, in accordance with firm policies and procedures
• Allocate receipts, maintain debtor records and monitor aged receivables
• Assist with credit control activities, including polite and professional follow-up with clients / customers in accordance with internal protocols
• Support the resolution of billing queries, escalating where appropriate. Post bank transactions and maintain accurate cashbook records
• Perform regular bank reconciliations and investigate discrepancies promptly
• Assist with management of petty cash (where applicable), including reconciliations and controls
• Process staff expense claims in line with policy and verify supporting receipts
• Ensure correct VAT treatment (where applicable) and coding to cost centres / matters / projects as required
• Follow internal procedures designed to support compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and the firm’s COFA framework
• Maintain financial records in accordance with SRA accounts rules, data protection requirements and the firm’s retention policies
• Provide administrative support to the finance team, including filing, scanning, and responding to internal queries
• Undertake other reasonable finance-related tasks consistent with the role and business needs Maintain accurate records within accounting software including Leap and Xero
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Operate within defined procedures and approval limits
• May recommend payment scheduling and propose corrections to postings / coding, final approvals remain with Finance Manager
• Escalates discrepancies, control failures, suspected fraud indicators, or material errors promptly to the Finance Manager
• Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion when handling client, matter and finance-related information, including any personal data
• Ensure all such information is managed in accordance with UK GDPR requirements, internal policies and information security procedures, including secure storage and controlled access to finance records

This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check and probationary period.

Accounts Level 2 apprenticeship alongside internal training on policies and procedures.

The role includes career progression for the right candidate progressing over time to management level by way of working towards Level 4 AAT qualifications and relevant accreditations.

You will be attending day release sessions at Access Training on a weekly basis.

Richard Reed Solicitors is forward thinking, team centred, values driven, award winning and expanding law firm based centrally in Sunderland.

Our motto is ‘Big enough to know, small enough to care’.

We put people at the heart of our firm, with a clear, structured career‐progression framework for every role. You’ll have defined evaluation criteria, regular check-ins to support your Development Plan, and opportunities to grow-whether that means earning industry-recognised accreditations, mastering new technical skills, or honing your leadership and business-development capabilities.

Our firm was established in 1948 and has for a long time been, and continues to be, the go to Solicitors practice for both individuals and businesses seeking legal advice in and around the Sunderland area.

As a Lexcel accredited practice, we pride ourselves on providing outstanding client care and excellent quality legal services whilst offering our employees an enjoyable and supportive working environment.

Our busy and expert team cover: Family Law Wills, Trusts & Probate Dispute Resolution Corporate & Commercial Property (Residential and Commercial) Agricultural Law Employment & HR Notary Public services.