COFA – The Role & Responsibilities Explained

For a limited period only, you can book a place on this new course at the reduced rate of £100 + VAT, a saving of more than 40% on the full rate fee of £175 + VAT.  However, this special rate is only available for bookings made before 29 February 2012.

The introduction of the new SRA Handbook on 6 October 2011 has brought about a number of important changes in the way in which the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates firms of solicitors within the legal profession. From 2012, firms of all sizes must appoint a Compliance Officer for Finance and Administration (COFA) who will have special responsibilities for ensuring compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules (formerly the Solicitors Accounts Rules 1998) and for reporting directly to the SRA any breaches of the SRA Accounts Rules which take place.

Delegates attending this course will receive expert guidance on the key areas which will be of interest to a COFA. As well as understanding the fundamentals of the SRA Accounts Rules and being able to identify high risk areas within their own practices, delegates will also benefit from guidance on effective accounting systems and controls within a legal practice. The course also includes guidance on how and when breaches of the SRA Accounts Rules should be reported to the SRA.

This course has been designed to meet the needs of those individuals who have been appointed to act as a firm's COFA or are considering doing so. It will also be of interest more generally to partners, principals, directors, managers, compliance/risk officers, practice managers and senior finance staff.