AddressWe are currently looking for a full time permanent Team Leader for our Trust Account Investigations team.
About us
The Law Society of NSW is the largest and most influential legal membership association in Australia and our role is to act as co-regulator of the legal profession, ensuring solicitors meet the highest ethical and professional standards, to serve as the representative voice of the legal profession and ensure a just society for all.
The Society leads the regulation of Trust Accounts for approximately 4,800 law practices in NSW, with over $7 billion held in trust. It is fundamental to the protection of consumers, and the reputation of the legal profession, that solicitors comply with their legal obligations in handling trust money (Trust Obligations).
About the team
The Trust Account Department plays a critical role in ensuring this occurs by detecting fraud and investigating breaches, operating compliance systems to ensure that solicitors are meeting their Trust Obligations, supporting members, and the profession more broadly, through education, tools and resources to make it easier to comply with their Trust Obligations. We are a multi-disciplinary team that is part of the Legal Regulation Department of the Law Society.
About the role
Reporting to the Chief Trust Account Investigator, you as Team Leader will have a strong strategic vision and the ability to shape and enhance the Society’s approach to regulation through Leadership and Team Management, by providing leadership, guidance and direction to a team of investigators responsible for Trust Account Investigations.
You will foster a collaborative and supportive team environment through mentoring and promoting professional development and growth opportunities for team members. You will co-ordinate investigations and utilise data analytics to deter, detect and deal with fraud, and develop and implement investigation strategies using innovative technology-based approaches, ensuring thorough and timely resolution of all investigations. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide advice on Trust Account related issues; and liaise with external stakeholders to provide thought leadership and advice on Trust Obligation, investigations and ensure regulatory compliance. You will also review and oversee the preparation of comprehensive investigation reports documenting findings, conclusions, and recommendations; and maintain accurate and up-to-date records of investigations ensuring compliance with record-keeping requirements and data security protocols.
What you'll be doing
- Setting team priorities and managing workflows to ensure the team completes all tasks on time and to the required level of quality.
- Ensuring trust investigations are performed within prescribed deadlines and in accordance with regulatory requirements with the application of sound judgement to deliver professional, high-level investigations to ensure the Law Society’s reputation as a modern, effective regulator is beyond reproach.
- Build and maintain a culture of continuous improvement including processes (manual and automated), policies, systems and procedures.
- Contribute to and manage the development and implementation of key strategies, policies and procedures to enable the effective enforcement of compliance with Trust Obligations.
- Representing the Law Society and if necessary, give evidence at hearings of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
- Maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to demonstrate continuing high level and contemporary performance by actively participating in professional development opportunities and providing mentoring.
- Model the professional and ethical behaviour and act in accordance with the Law Society’s code of conduct.
About you
- Relevant tertiary qualifications in commerce, accounting or business and current membership with Chartered Accounts ANZ and/or CPA Australia.
- Proven leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team of professionals.
- Extensive experience in investigations, compliance or auditing with a strong knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks.
- Demonstrated knowledge of interpreting financial accounting practices and procedures, including accounting systems, auditing standards, accounting standards including APES 215 Forensic Accounting Services.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Demonstrated integrity, ethical conduct and commitment to upholding legal and professional standards.
- Sound judgement, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make informed decisions in complex and sensitive situations.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
To apply
The Law Society of New South Wales is committed to building and maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace, appointing the best person for the role and supporting diversity.
Applications should contain a CV and cover letter that outlines your key experience and motivations for this role.
