Auditor, Trust Assurance

About Us

As the regulator of Nova Scotia's legal profession, the Nova Scotia Barristers' Society exists to uphold and protect the public interest in the practice of law. The Nova Scotia Barristers' Society oversees clerks' and lawyers' accreditation with their admissions and licensing process, establishes ethical standards, ensures the professional responsibility of lawyers, and strives to improve the administration of justice. The Society proactively works to create a legal profession that broadly reflects the diverse public it serves.

Learn more about the Society

Position Overview

As part of the trust assurance team, the Auditor, Trust Assurance helps to protect the public interest by working to ensure compliance with trust accounts rules, client property rules, unclaimed trust money, anti-money laundering, client identification and verification, along with other various Society rules.

The Auditor, Trust Assurance reviews and responds to information from lawyers, conducts compliance audits in accordance with the Society's trust account regulations, prepares audit reports and provides timely suggestions to the member for improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans and conducts compliance audits of law firms throughout NS, 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.
• Provides feedback to lawyers regarding their level of compliance with the rules and what steps should be taken to remedy any deficiencies and recommending non-compliant firms to Professional Conduct, or Practice Standards Departments.
• Reviews annual Trust Report submissions (Lawyer and Accountant reports) and using professional judgment to identify and assess risk factors and determine appropriate follow-up.
• Corresponds with lawyers regarding Trust Reports, regulation violations and other matters.
• Follows up on audits to ensure recommendations for improvement are acted on and prior undertakings are complied with.
• Monitors response/action deadlines and manages files until exceptions are satisfactorily resolved, including monthly trust reporting and records management as required.
• Monitors status of bankruptcies and judgements until discharge or satisfaction of debts, including preparation of regular requests for status reports from members, and monitoring of co-signer and trust account monitoring arrangements.
• Responds to member inquiries regarding trust accounting, and trust account rule interpretations.
• Supports and assists departments with the interpretation of trust account regulations, accounting procedures and analysis of trust accounting issues.
• Educates lawyers on the skills and competencies required to appropriately open and operate a trust account and manages the assessment process.
• Undertakes educationally focused audits on new firms to ensure systems and processes are in place, and to assist new firms in understanding the rules and their responsibilities.
• Participates in the review and refinement of the Trust Assurance Program, including the continued development of audit procedures, review and revision of the trust account rules, and reference material such as the trust accounting handbook.
• Provides support as needed to the Professional Responsibility department regarding complaints and to related committees, when required.
• Supports the Society by providing research on advice around the areas of e-commerce, cyber crime, money laundering and other areas of potential fraud.
• Follows procedural and administrative data processing requirements. Ensures that trust account related data in the Society's membership database is current and accurate.
• Assists with the preparation of the undistributed trust fund application.

What we are looking for:

• University degree and a recognized accounting designation (CPA or equivalent) is required.
• 3+ years of experience in auditing in public practice and/or accounting for law firms.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage with and educate lawyers through different means of presentations and facilitated training sessions.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently in an environment where accuracy and confidentiality are paramount.
• Considerable knowledge of computer applications, related technology, and audit techniques.
• Some travel may be required. Audits may occasionally be carried out in person, requiring travel to a law firm office.

Assets

• Advanced training in fraud related courses or CFE, CIA or CAMS designation.
• Knowledge of legal accounting rules and general law firm accounting.

What's in it for you:

We offer a competitive salary based on qualifications and experience, a comprehensive health benefits package, a defined benefit pension plan and flexible work options.

NSBS is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that starts with our selection process. We welcome applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or racialized; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; newcomers to Canada; and people with disabilities. Our goal is to create opportunities for individuals from groups that have historically faced barriers to participation. If you identify with one or more of these equity-deserving groups, we invite you to share this information in your application and to include your pronouns if you feel comfortable doing so. We are also dedicated to accommodating individuals experiencing disabilities at any stage of the selection process. If you require accommodations, please let us know, and we will work with you to address your needs.

If you are interested in this exciting career opportunity, please submit your application in confidence (including resume and cover letter) to us via email at [email protected] .

This posting will remain open until the position is filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.