The Law Society of British Columbia
Join a team where you can enjoy work-life balance and do meaningful work
Receive a competitive annual salary of $102,891-$111,838, plus full benefits
Enjoy a positive work culture that prioritizes diversity, equity, collaboration, and innovation
About The Law Society of British Columbia
The Law Society ensures the public is well served by legal professionals who are honourable and competent. We regulate the legal profession in BC, protecting the public interest in the administration of justice, by setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct for lawyers.
We also bring a voice to issues affecting the justice system and the delivery of legal services.
The Law Society of BC is proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top 100 Employers of 2024 for the third year in a row. We are an organization that values a positive work culture, and that includes ensuring we are a diverse, equitable, collaborative, and innovative organization both inside and out.
We are also passionate about employee development and wellness, and are proud to offer comprehensive benefits and support to our team members.
To read more about us, our mission, various initiatives, and resources, please visit our website.
About the Opportunity
Currently, the 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
About You
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.
Skills, experience, and background in the following are required:
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
As recognition for all your hard work and determination, you can look forward to an annual salary ranging from $102,891-$111,838, evaluated on skills and experience, plus the following:
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
At LSBC, you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the most educated professionals in our community and make a meaningful impact on the regulation and transparency of the legal profession.
Join us in our mission to uphold integrity and trust within the legal sector while enjoying a supportive and fulfilling work environment!