Employer: NOVA SCOTIA BARRISTERS’ SOCIETY (NSBS)
Position: Auditor, Trust Assurance
Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
Job Location: Halifax, NS
About Us
As the regulator of the legal profession, the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society protects the public interest in the practice of law. The Society is the independent, trusted and respected regulator of the legal profession. Acting in the public interest, they provide leadership, value and support to a competent, ethical, inclusive and engaged legal profession.
The Society is committed to being a workplace that is free of discrimination, values diversity and is representative, at all job levels, of designated groups and the citizens we serve. We welcome applicants from groups who have historically faced barriers to employment. We encourage you to self-identify in your application.
About the Auditor, Trust Assurance
As part of the trust assurance team, the Auditor, Trust Assurance helps to protect the public interest by working to ensure compliance with trust accounts rules, client property rules, unclaimed trust money, anti-money laundering, client identification and verification, along with other various Society rules.
The Auditor, Trust Assurance reviews and responds to information from lawyers, conducts compliance audits in accordance with the Society’s trust account regulations, prepares audit reports and provides timely suggestions to the member for improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Plans and conducts compliance audits of law firms throughout NS, to assess lawyers’ compliance with the trust accounting rules and to identify potential misconduct issues or misuse of the trust account related to financial matters.
- Provides feedback to lawyers regarding their level of compliance with the rules and what steps should be taken to remedy any deficiencies and recommending non-compliant firms to Professional Conduct, or Practice Standards Departments.
- Reviews annual Trust Report submissions (Lawyer and Accountant reports) and using professional judgment to identify and assess risk factors and determine appropriate follow-up.
- Corresponds with lawyers regarding Trust Reports, regulation violations and other matters.
- Follows up on audits to ensure recommendations for improvement are acted on and prior undertakings are complied with.
- Monitors response/action deadlines and manages files until exceptions are satisfactorily resolved, including monthly trust reporting and records management as required.
- Monitors status of bankruptcies and judgements until discharge or satisfaction of debts, including preparation of regular requests for status reports from members, and monitoring of co-signer and trust account monitoring arrangements.
- Responds to member inquiries regarding trust accounting, and trust account rule interpretations.
- Supports and assists departments with the interpretation of trust account regulations, accounting procedures and analysis of trust accounting issues.
- Educates lawyers on the skills and competencies required to appropriately open and operate a trust account, and manages the assessment process.
- Undertakes educationally focussed audits on new firms to ensure systems and processes are in place, and to assist new firms in understanding the rules and their responsibilities.
- Participates in the review and refinement of the Trust Assurance Program, including the continued development of audit procedures, review and revision of the trust account rules, and reference material such as the trust accounting handbook.
- Provides support as needed to the Professional Responsibility department regarding complaints and to related committees, when required.
- Supports the Society by providing research on advice around the areas of e-commerce, cyber crime, money laundering and other areas of potential fraud.
- Follows procedural and administrative data processing requirements. Ensures that trust account related data in the Society’s membership database is current and accurate.
- Assists with the preparation of the undistributed trust fund application.
Requirements, Skills and Assets
Requirements
- University degree and a recognized accounting designation (CPA or equivalent).
- 3+ years of experience in auditing in public practice and/or accounting for law firms.
- Knowledge of legal accounting rules and general law firm accounting is an asset.
- Travel will be required. Auditors frequently drive substantial distances to and from audits.
Skills
- Strong organizational skills.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- High level of written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and outstanding ability to engage with and educate lawyers through different means of presentations and facilitated training sessions.
- Ability to work independently in an environment where good judgement, accuracy, attention to detail and confidentiality are paramount.
- Proficiency in the use of various computer applications, related technology, and audit techniques
Assets
- Advanced training in fraud related courses or CFE, CIA or CAMS designation.
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
If you’re interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit your application in confidence (including resume and cover letter) to the Society via email at [email protected].
We offer a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience; a full health benefit package; a retirement savings program as well as flexible work options.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.
Closing date: Posting will remain open until position is filled