Legal Aid Costs Manager / Billing Manager
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Reading - Hybrid (office days: Monday & Tuesday – preferred)
Role OverviewThe Legal Aid Costs Manager is responsible for maximising cost recovery on legally aided cases. This includes ensuring accurate costing, timely billing, and efficient payment collection from the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
The role focuses on maintaining accurate financial records, submitting bills promptly, and supporting steady cash flow through effective payment processes.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage legal aid billing accounts to ensure timely and accurate claims
* Supervise the billing team, allocate work, and handle queries
* Prepare and submit cost claims to the LAA or courts (Family matters)
* Track billing stages and monitor payment progress
* Produce Payment on Account requests at appropriate case stages
* Manage and reconcile disbursement claims
* Liaise with Counsel’s Clerks regarding fees via CCMS
* Work closely with the Finance team
* Interpret LAA guidance and support colleagues on billing procedures
* Liaise with external firms on transferred cases
* Identify and manage High-Cost Cases, including registration and planning
* Act as the main contact for fee earners on billing queries
* Support training of staff on time recording practices
Essential Skills & Experience
* Experience in Legal Aid (Family work)
* Strong knowledge of the Legal Aid Agency funding system
* Experience using CCMS
* Proficiency in Costmaster
* Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel
* Excellent numeracy and literacy skills
* High attention to detail
* Strong communication skills
Benefits
* Discretionary annual bonus
* Working hours: 9:00am – 5:30pm (Monday to Friday)
* Hybrid working
* 23 days annual leave + bank holidays
* On-site parking
* Shuttle service
* Discounted gym membership
* Free refreshments in the office
* Training and development opportunities
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
* Well-being support
* 5 days paid study leave
If you would like more information on the role please contact Ellie at Puro Associates on 01904 571760 or e.hickling@puroassociates.com