Come join our team! If you are looking for a career that is both challenging and rewarding, with an organization that values diversity, equity and a shared sense of purpose, look no further.
We are proud to say that we’ve been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers since 2022! The Law Society of BC offers work/life balance, a collegial atmosphere, and an excellent benefits package, including: extended health benefits, a dental plan and more.
Te Law Society is seeking a full-time Auditor to join our team. This is a hybrid work position, however, the successful candidate must reside in the Lower Mainland and be able to travel within BC.
Reporting to your team lead, you are responsible for conducting Compliance Audits in accordance with the Law Society's regulations. Your main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting Compliance Audits 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
- Reviewing law firms’ records for non-compliance with the Legal Profession Act, Law Society Rules, and the Code of Professional Conduct for British Columbia and identifying potential fraud and money laundering
- Using data analytics and professional judgment to assess key areas of focus and implementing additional audit procedures as necessary
- Interviewing lawyer(s) and the firms’ accounting staff and asking appropriate questions throughout the audit
- Applying professional skepticism with the review of the firms’ records and explanations
- Conducting complex investigative audits in areas of serious concerns, including anti-money laundering
- Operating independently and ensuring work is completed to schedule and meets our high-quality standards
- Writing concise, impartial, and factual reports of audit findings
- Communicating the report findings and providing feedback to lawyers regarding areas of compliance and non-compliance with the rules
- Providing recommendations to lawyers on how to remedy any deficiencies identified during the audit, when appropriate
- Drafting detailed memos to refer serious audit findings to the Professional Conduct department and providing oral evidence supporting the referral, when required
- Reviewing annual Trust Report submissions and assessing law firm compliance with the Division 7 Rules
- Composing letters to lawyers and reviewing correspondence from lawyers regarding Trust Reports, trust shortages, cash breaches, storage modification requests, and other matters
- Responding to inquiries from lawyers and law firm staff regarding trust accounting, the trust administration fee, and Part 3, Division 7, and Division 8 Rule interpretations
- Participating in the review and refinement of the Trust Assurance Program, including the continued development and refinement of audit procedures and reference materials such as the Trust Accounting Handbook
- Assisting in training of new auditors on audit procedures
- Promoting a collegial environment of sharing and transferring knowledge and information amongst department members
- Conducting new firm visits, discussing the firm’s procedures in handing trust funds, and providing feedback on how to remedy any deficiencies
- Other duties as the Director, Trust Assurance may require
Qualifications
- To qualify, you will need at least 5+ years of experience in auditing in public practice and/or accounting for law firms. It is essential that you have a high level of professional judgment, excellent written and communication skills, and an outstanding ability to convey a message.
- A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation with CPABC is required, however, candidates who have taken their exams and are in the final stages of administrative processing or undergoing inter-provincial transfer to obtain local CPA accreditation will be considered.
- Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist designation with ACAMS or the willingness to acquire it
- Ability to identify potential compliance concerns and investigative skills
- Ability to educate lawyers on the rules and regulations related to compliance
- Additional designations such as CFE or CIA are desirable, but not required.
- As travel is required, the successful candidate must have access to a reliable vehicle and a valid BC driver’s licence.
About the Benefits
- The salary range for this position is $102,891 to $111,838.
- Opportunity to work in a hybrid work model
- Extended health benefits, including vision, prescription, and dental coverage
- Insurance coverage including accidental death and dismemberment, life, and short and long-term disability
- 4 weeks' vacation to start
- The Law Society health spending account
- RRSP matching
- Join an organization that promotes a healthy life-work balance and a respectful workplace
- Team and organization social events such as monthly socials, celebrating birthday and service milestones, and annual events including the annual winter party and recognition lunch
Why Work with Us: Insights from Our Team
- Supportive Team Environment: Join a collaborative work environment where teamwork and mutual support are valued.
- Continuous Learning Opportunities: Engage in varied and dynamic audits, allowing for continuous learning and professional development.
- Work/Life Balance: Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with the autonomy to manage your workload.
- Meaningful Impact: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your work directly contributes to protecting the public interest and upholding integrity in the legal profession.
- Variety of Work: Audit different types of law firms and gain exposure to various aspects of legal practice - no case is the same!
The Law Society of BC is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to contribute to the future of our organization. In accordance with the Law Society of B.C.’s commitment to reconciliation, we seek to create a culturally safe space and to continue further improving relationships with Indigenous peoples.
To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to personnel@lsbc.org with the subject “Auditor, Trust Assurance” The closing date for this competition is May 31, 2024. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Law Society of BC supports hybrid work schedules. This position is located at the Law Society of British Columbia office in the Yaletown area of Vancouver, BC.
845 Cambie Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6B 4Z9
