Senior Financial Investigator (Legal)

An opportunity has arisen for a Senior Financial Investigator to join the Interventions and Statutory Trust Team on 12 months fixed term contract.

The role

We have statutory power to close down a firm we regulate in certain circumstances, known as an intervention. When this happens, we take possession of any money the firm holds and its accounting records. Those records are often incomplete and unreliable, and potentially subject to a degree of dishonesty. This is a senior role within the team which examines and investigates the accounts records, and considers other evidence, to try to establish an accurate understanding of the money we are holding and who is entitled to it. 

As a Senior Financial Investigator, you will be responsible for working as part of a team to investigate financial records and identify who client monies should be returned to. You will attend interventions, identify and analyse relevant financial information, liaise with staff and clients of the intervened firm and engage with internal colleagues. You will present your findings and recommendations accurately and make decisions on the distribution of the money we have taken possession of (the Statutory Trust).

You will manage junior members of the team - providing technical direction, development and support. You will also oversee the work carried out by our panel solicitors, known as agents, working collaboratively with them to achieve the efficient and cost-effective distribution of the Statutory Trust.  This is a hands-on role where you will have opportunities to provide feedback to colleagues at all levels and shape the direction of the team.

To succeed in this role you will be able to analyse and unpick complex numerical data sets, have the ability to manage, motivate and support others, be confident in engaging with stakeholders at all levels and seek to inspire best practice.

You can find out more about the interventions work here:

https://www.sra.org.uk/sra/decision-making/guidance/consumer-money-intervene.page

The role will require short notice travel - approximately once per month and the occasional overnight stay.

What’s in it for you  

• Showcase your analytical, problem solving and investigative skills
• Manage, coach, and develop team members
• Supervise and monitor outsourced work
• Develop strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Act as decision-maker for the distribution of Statutory Trust money
• Be part of a team that protects the public and upholds public interest

What we are looking for

• Strong financial analysis and investigative skills – ability to critically examine and interpret financial statements and other evidence, which is often disordered or inaccurate
• Proven financial experience (preferably with a law firm or in a forensic capacity)
• Able to write accurate, well-reasoned reports and justify decisions
• Able to challenge and influence internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience of coaching and developing others
• Team player with ability to work flexibly and adapt in a constantly changing environment.

Useful and additional information

There is a full role profile attached to the bottom of this advert on our website.

If you have any questions that aren’t in this advert or on our website, please contact us via: recruitment@sra.org.uk

This is a hybrid role and will be based 1 to 2 days a week in our Birmingham office and from home the rest of the week.

To apply

Please click ‘apply’ to upload a CV and cover letter, addressing how you meet the essential requirements outlined in this advert and the attached role profile..

Closing date of this advert is 9 April 2024 at 09:00.

Previous applicants to this role within the last six months will not be considered.