My name is Subha Sabeshan, and I am a Legal Cashier Professional at Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP. I started at BBK back in 2005. How time flies!
I have been invited by the ILFM to write a guest post and although numbers and solutions are my passion, I hope to impart some of what it’s like for me in my role through text!
My favourite part about working at Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP is the firm’s environment, with a flexible working policy introduction in 2003. My colleagues are solicitous and everyone within the firm is friendly; it’s testament to BBK’s leadership as to why I have stayed so long.
Day to Day Life as a Senior Legal Cashier
I have been in the role of Senior Legal Cashier for many years. On a daily basis, I’m responsible for ensuring that our accounts are up-to-date according to the Solicitors Accounts Rules. This is one of the biggest factors in working in legal finance – it’s those Rules!
I also focus on queries from our clients and ascertain all the tasks are complete. Over the years, I have gained experience in a variety of responsibilities. There is no satisfaction for me in doing the same job, which is why I push my limits each day to expand my knowledge. Doing this allows me to do my work with complete confidence and assist my work colleagues in unlocking their full potential.
Working in the fast- paced world of Legal Finance means Legal Cashiers who land in accounting and finance, must keep up to date with Solicitors Accounts Rules, a I mentioned above, and of course the changes to VAT Legislation.
To grow, innovate and become exceptional Legal Accounting Professionals, we need to learn and develop our skills continuously. I have found the best way to do this is to become a member of the ILFM, where there is on-going support, back-up, continued professional development training and of course their qualifications.
How the ILFM Membership has helped me in my journey
I have been a member of the ILFM since 2009. When I started my career in the world of Legal Finance, I decided to specialise in Legal Accounts, so I began to study ILFM courses. I completed the Legal Cashiers and Administrators Diploma Exam with Distinction in 2010 and got the highest pass mark in the country!
I decided to continue my studies and completed all the Associate courses and again scored the highest pass mark in UK for Tax for Legal Finance Professionals in 2021. I also won the ILFM Part Associate Award, for which I am immensely proud of!
I do not think I could have achieved this without the help of ILFM. The courses were well- prepared and thoroughly detailed without being too onerous, and the tutors were extremely knowledgeable as well as supportive.
CPD is important and Legal Finance Professionals, in my opinion, should make continued training a necessity in their diaries. The ILFM training events I have attended were beneficial to me, and my firm (and therefore our clients).
The current examination structure is simple to follow and has been developed to reflect a new way of working. I have enjoyed the flexibility of taking exams at a test centre as well as remotely at home. Covid 19 has impacted us all and the ILFM have managed to adapt continually and successfully to change.
Challenges
My biggest challenge I would say, is the computer-based Taxation exam, because I have always preferred paper-based exams (not the technical tax questions!). However, the ILFM has designed this so well that my fears of digitalisation have disappeared!
The role of Legal Finance is a challenging but satisfying one, however no matter what happens it is essential to keep up to date with the SRA Account Rules. I would personally recommend becoming a member of ILFM to get cognisance and become a specialist in Legal Finance. Qualifying in a profession potentially minimises errors and saves time, and, of course, makes it easy to become an expert in the field.
Subha Sabeshan, Senior Legal Cashier
Bolt Burdon Kemp LLP is a leading firm of highly talented lawyers specialising in serious injury claims, including Brain Injury, Medical Negligence, Military, Abuse and Accident Claims, located at 26 Newbury Street, London, EC1A 7HU.
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