This is a Trust Manager (12-month contract) role with Norton Rose Fulbright based in Sydney, NSW, AU Norton Rose Fulbright Role Seniority - mid level More about the Trust Manager (12-month contract) role at Norton Rose Fulbright Norton Rose Fulbright is a global legal practice. We provide the world's pre-eminent corporations and financial institutions with a full business law service. We have more than 4000 lawyers based in over 58 offices across Europe, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia. We are currently looking for a Trust Manager for a 12 month maternity leave cover, based in Sydney. Reporting to the Director of Financial Operations & FP&A you will ensure the delivery of high-quality, compliant trust accounting services to both internal and external clients. Responsibilities: Lead and supervise the Trust & Controlled Money team to ensure accurate, compliant and timely delivery of services across all jurisdictions in which the firm operates. Maintain expert-level knowledge of trust accounting regulations across all relevant states and ensure processes reflect the highest regulatory standard nationally. Ensure strict adherence to Legal Profession legislation, Uniform Law requirements, Law Society Rules, and firm policies and procedures. Oversee the end-to-end trust accounting function including daily processing, reconciliations, reporting and regulatory submissions. Review and sign off on weekly, monthly and annual compliance checklists prior to submission to Senior Manager. Ensure all monthly trust bank reconciliations, trial balances and controlled money reconciliations are completed within statutory timeframes. Ensure statutory deposit accounts are accurately maintained and reviewed regularly. Oversee the preparation, coordination and management of annual external trust audits across all jurisdictions, including liaison with external examiners and regulatory bodies. Ensure all documentation is maintained in a structured, audit-ready format and is readily retrievable upon request. Identify, investigate and escalate any trust discrepancies, breaches or irregularities in accordance with internal escalation protocols. Manage controlled money and investment registers, ensuring accuracy of interest calculations and compliance with regulatory obligations. Review and enhance trust and controlled money processes to improve efficiency, reduce risk and align with best practice standards nationally. Work with senior management to develop and implement change initiatives, including harmonisation of national trust policies adopting the highest watermark jurisdiction. Ensure integrity, accuracy and security of trust data and reports, including appropriate segregation of duties and authorisation controls. Provide subject matter expertise to Trust Officers, Legal Practice Groups and Finance leadership on complex trust-related matters. Manage day-to-day resourcing requirements, ensuring workloads are balanced and service levels maintained. Provide monthly written updates to the Senior Manager outlining key activities, risks, audit status and improvement initiatives. The role will also require coverage of the Trust Officer’s duties for 1 day per week. Requirements Comprehensive knowledge of Law Society trust accounting rules and regulations across relevant jurisdictions, including trust and controlled money requirements. Strong technical trust accounting capability, including reconciliations, reporting, audit preparation and regulatory compliance obligations. High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to identify discrepancies and mitigate compliance risk. Advanced numeracy and analytical skills, with demonstrated problem-solving capability in resolving complex trust matters. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in liaising with partners, fee earners, financial institutions and external auditors. Well-developed organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing deadlines in a regulated environment. Proficiency in practice management systems (Aderant Expert) and Microsoft Office Suite (particularly Excel) for reporting, reconciliation and data analysis. Proactive, solutions-focused mindset, demonstrating initiative, sound judgement and the ability to influence stakeholders to achieve timely and compliant outcomes. Minimum 4–6 years’ experience in a finance or client accounting function within a professional services environment, preferably a commercial law firm. Collaborative team contributor who can also work independently with minimal supervision. Supportive of change initiatives, demonstrating adaptability and alignment with organisational transformation efforts. Norton Rose Fulbright values diversity and strives to create an inclusive environment. We are proud that Norton Rose Fulbright in Australia has been recognised as an Employer of Choice for Gender Equality by the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) as well as a gold tier employer for LGBTI Inclusion through the Australian Workplace Equality Index. In 2023 we were re-accredited as a Family Inclusive Workplace and always encourage people to discuss flexible and hybrid work options with us. We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates to apply. To apply online click the 'Apply' button below. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process or if the application portal is inaccessible to you, please don't hesitate to contact Scott Baker via (02) 9330 8578 or scott.baker@nortonrosefulbright.com for a confidential discussion. If you are trans or gender diverse and would like a confidential discussion before applying, please contact Yvette Borradale (03) 8686 6003 or Scott Baker (02) 9330 8578. Please be aware in the course of routine work some of our lawyers and teams can be exposed to details of trauma. The firm has controls in place including educational and psychological support. Our talent team can provide further details. Before we jump into the responsibilities of the role. No matter what you come in knowing, you’ll be learning new things all the time and the Norton Rose Fulbright team will be there to support your growth. Please consider applying even if you don't meet 100% of what’s outlined Key Responsibilities Leading and supervising the Trust & Controlled Money team Overseeing trust accounting functions Managing compliance and audits Key Strengths Trust accounting regulations Technical trust accounting capability Analytical skills Practice management systems proficiency ⏳ Organisational skills ️ Communication skills A Final Note: This is a role with Norton Rose Fulbright not with Hatch.
