Lawyer Accounting and Authorization Services Coordinator

Union: OPSEU - PO
Job Number: J0424-0076
Job Title: Lawyer Accounting and Authorization Services Coordinator
Job Type: Temporary Full Time
Contract Duration: 6 months
City, Province, Country: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Job Location: Toronto
Job Category: Finance
Job Classification: FP5
Role Designation:Flexible Hybrid - In person days can be flexible from week to week subject to manager approval and operational requirements.
Open Positions: 1
Posting Date: April 11, 2024
Closing Date: April 23, 2024
Salary: $63,221.32 - $73,290.84/Year
Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.
As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.
If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.
Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.
Primary function
This position is primarily responsible for ensuring lawyers are authorized in a timely manner and coordinating with lawyers, district office/regional staff on issues that arise during area of law authorizations. Issue duty counsel (DC) purchase orders and process year end PO roll over, updating lawyer vendor records and process/review lawyer tier level change requests. Resolve lawyer HST issues and make proper adjustments if required. Coordinate with CRA/Sheriff/FRO or other legal authorities on lawyer payment withholdings.
Home Office: Provincial Office - Toronto
Secondary/Other Locations: N/A
Reporting to: Financial Business Analyst
LAO is in the process of developing an organization-wide hybrid workplace model, taking into consideration the range of services and roles performed throughout the organization. During this development phase, the work of this role is hybrid and structured to provide greater remote work, but some in-person presence will be required.
Key accountabilities
• Lawyer authorization and coordinate/solve issues arising during authorization process and update vendor records (contact, banking, portal password and HST information as well as tier levels)
• Authorize and maintain staff lawyer, staff duty counsel and staff supervisory duty counsel records
• Create payment vouchers for external advice members training and mediation - training and mediation vouchers cannot be generated through the portal
• Create payment vouchers for peer review committee members and for GATCC honorarium as they are not processed through the portal
• Create and maintain vendor records for external advice members
• Handle payment and HST inquiries from lawyers, their administrative staff or accountant
• Review and process tier level change requests and HST payment adjustments
• Create and update duty counsel purchase orders
• Resolve DEFT rejects in circumstances where lawyer funds are not deposited into lawyer's account due to change in bank account status
• Process withholding (garnishment) matters involving Canada Revenue Agency, other government authorities and creditors
• Review withholding vouchers during lawyer pay cycle
• Prepare lawyer authorization status and other ad hoc reports to Management or Regions
• Provide back up to other department al staff during absences or peak periods.
• Other duties as assigned
Required skills & experience
• Completion of a College legal or law enforcement program and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience acquired through past work experience.
• Knowledge of PeopleSoft and LAO's lawyer authorization and account payment processes
• Excellent customer service/interpersonal skills to effectively and efficiently respond to queries from lawyers and other stakeholders.
• Basic accounting knowledge and understanding of how sales tax (HST) works
• Superb time management skills and attention to detail (careful review of accounts and data entry).
• Computer skills necessary to use software applications (Microsoft Office, PeopleSoft) for word processing, setting up and formatting reports, and analyzing data using spreadsheets.
• Confidentiality due to access to both company and lawyer financial information
• Ability to meet deadlines and function effectively under pressure
Are you interested in this job?