Solicitors Accounts IV: Accountants’ Reports, Recordkeeping, and SRA Rules Compliance
Description
An outline of the stringent requirements for solicitors regarding the management of client money, focusing heavily on transparency and accountability through the SRA Accounts Rules. A central requirement is the mandatory obtaining and delivery of an accountant’s report within six months of the accounting period's end, serving as independent verification that client funds have been safeguarded and managed in compliance with rules, particularly regarding client accounts, withdrawals, and internal controls. Accountants must be qualified, and if they find serious issues, they issue a "qualified" report, triggering SRA scrutiny, though minor, quickly corrected breaches may not warrant qualification. Furthermore, firms must retain comprehensive accounting records for a minimum of six years to ensure traceability and auditability, and they are obligated to promptly correct any discovered breaches of the rules, documenting the nature of the breach and the remedial action taken immediately to mitigate risk and maintain client trust.
United States
