SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules Examinations
Specialist assurance for legal practices handling client money.
Audits & Assurance
Specialist assurance for legal practices handling client money
Specialist assurance for legal practices handling client money.
SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules require an annual accountant's report when thresholds are met. We understand the Rules in detail, conduct the examination efficiently and produce a clear report with recommendations where procedures need to improve.
- Annual accountant's report prepared under the SRA Solicitors Accounts Rules.
- Client ledger examination and reconciliation review.
- Practical guidance on procedural improvements where the Rules require it.
Our approach
How we deliver sra solicitors accounts rules examinations
Examination scoping
We confirm the scope of the examination against the SRA requirements for your practice size and structure, review the accounting systems and client account procedures in place, and agree the timing of fieldwork.
Client ledger testing and compliance review
We examine the client account records against the Solicitors Accounts Rules, test client ledger balances, reconciliations and the handling of residual balances and payments, and identify any areas of non compliance.
Report production and recommendations
We produce the accountant's report in the required format, submit it to the SRA within the deadline and provide written recommendations on any procedural improvements identified during the examination.
Who this is for
Businesses and individuals that need
01
Law firms with client accounts above the SRA threshold
Practices that hold or receive client money above the SRA threshold and are required to deliver an annual accountant's report under the Solicitors Accounts Rules.
02
Newly authorised law practices
Firms in their first years of operation setting up client account procedures and wanting to ensure compliance from the outset rather than discovering issues at the first examination.
03
Practices after an SRA compliance visit
Firms that have received regulatory feedback and want independent assurance that their procedures are now correctly structured and will produce a clean report.
Client feedback
“Clear, efficient and with a practical report. The recommendations improved our client account procedures without requiring significant changes to the way the practice operates.”
Client review Law firm, Chichester
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Which firms need an accountant's report?
Law firms authorised by the SRA that hold or receive client money in a client bank account must deliver an annual accountant's report if their client account transactions exceed the SRA threshold in the reporting period. The report must be delivered within six months of the firm's accounting period end.
What does the examination involve?
We examine the client account bank reconciliations, ledger balances, the handling of residual balances, receipts and payments procedures and the records that demonstrate compliance with the Solicitors Accounts Rules. The level of testing depends on the volume of client account transactions.
What happens if the report is qualified?
A qualified report indicates that the examination found matters that do not comply with the Solicitors Accounts Rules. The SRA receives the report and may take follow up action. Where we identify issues during the examination, we discuss them with the practice and agree remedial steps before the report is finalised wherever the Rules allow.
When must the report be delivered to the SRA?
The accountant's report must be delivered to the SRA within six months of the end of the accounting period to which it relates. We manage the timing of the examination and reporting to ensure this deadline is always met.
Ready to take the next step?
Book an introductory meeting to discuss your audits & assurance needs with a specialist.