Auditor, Trust Safety

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Auditor to join our dynamic Trust Safety Department. As an Auditor, you will play a critical role in upholding the integrity of the legal profession by ensuring lawyers adhere to the trust accounting rules.

This opportunity will challenge an experienced auditor who values ongoing learning, varied work responsibilities, and conducting Trust Accounting compliance audits across Alberta, including law firms of different sizes, practice areas, and complexities. As an auditor, you will serve as a key member of the Trust Safety department. You will be responsible for the end-to-end process of conducting audits in accordance with Trust Safety's audit methodology.  Success in this position requires excellent time management, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

The Law Society of Alberta ("LSA" or "Law Society") regulates the legal profession in the public interest. As a self-governing body, LSA sets ethical and professional standards for Alberta lawyers and ensures they fulfill their duties. A core aspect of this responsibility is protecting the public by safeguarding client funds entrusted to lawyers.

The Trust Safety Department plays a vital role in achieving this goal. In alignment with LSA's vision, mission, and strategic plan, the department manages a program that endeavors to protect the public and ensure the safety of trust property. Through the program, LSA ensures lawyers comply with LSA's rules regarding trust and general accounts. This includes educating lawyers on their trust account responsibilities, requiring annual reporting, and conducting audits of lawyers'/law firms' prescribed financial records.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Conducting risk-based, random, and follow-up audits of lawyer and law firm trust accounts in accordance with the Law Society's Trust Accounting Rules (Part 5) to obtain reasonable assurance that trust funds are accurate and administered in compliance with the Legal Profession Act (LPA) & Law Society of Alberta (Rules).
• Analyzing prescribed financial records to identify potential non-compliance with trust accounting rules.
• Reviewing lawyers'/law firm's internal controls to mitigate the risk to the client funds entrusted to the lawyers.
• Preparing clear and concise audit reports outlining findings and recommendations.
• Communicating effectively with lawyers and law firms about the areas of non-compliance during the audits and ensuring corrective action is taken.
• Staying current with the Law Society's Trust Accounting Rules and relevant legislation.
• Assist in developing and improving compliance audit policy and procedures.
• Provide assistance to law firms to develop sound accounting practices and procedures that comply with the Act and Rules.
• Participate in education programs for lawyers: present in seminars/webinars, prepare informative articles, etc.
• Liaise with other Regulation Department operational units regarding law firm risk and compliance with the Rules – including attending hearings as an expert witness to give evidence.
• Maintain professional working relationships with staff, managers, stakeholders, and law firms.

• Professional certification required or in progress (Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation, Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and/or Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS).
• Bachelor's degree or diploma in accounting or the equivalent combination of education, training, and at least three years of experience conducting audits, preferably compliance and operations audits.
• Solid project management skills and experience with the ability to manage multiple priorities while consistently achieving objectives and meeting timelines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and manage large quantities of data.
• Excellent communication (verbal & written) and interpersonal skills:
  • Skillful in presenting audit findings during exit interviews clearly and concisely.
  • Able to clearly convey complex audit-related information to stakeholders. 
  • Strong report writing skills to prepare specific, concise, and compelling audit reports.
  • Meticulous attention to detail in written communication when drafting audit reports and outreach documents.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to learn new concepts.
• Display high professional judgment, integrity, independence, and objectivity.
• Requirement to travel up for approximately 25% of the total time outside Calgary.

Assets

• Knowledge of regulatory environments or similar experience preferred.
• Experience with trust account reconciliations and legal industry best practices.
• Understanding of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.

The Law Society of Alberta regulates the legal profession in the public interest by promoting and enforcing a high standard of professional and ethical conduct by Alberta lawyers.

We derive our authority from the Legal Profession Act of Alberta and set out standards through a Code of Conduct and the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta.

While we do not provide legal advice on specific cases, from our unique perspective as the regulator, we actively work with members of the justice system to improve the administration of justice for all Albertans.

• Comprehensive compensation package
• Work-life balance benefits that allow you to balance your career and personal commitments.
• Access to a free onsite gym and tenant lounge.
• Private Reflection Rooms to observe religious or cultural beliefs, meditate or take a mental health break.

We also offer a flexible hybrid working environment. In office attendance is required on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with the option to work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. You are also more than welcome to continue to work four or five days in the office if that is your preference. 

Having multiple in-office days allows room for collaboration, social connections, mentorship and cross-departmental interaction, while remote days still allow you to manage your work-life balance effectively.

The Law Society of Alberta values diversity in its workforce and equal access to opportunity. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the highest level of confidentiality.