Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Compliance officer for finance and administration definition

What does Compliance officer for finance and administration mean? The compliance officer for finance and administration (COFA) is the individual in an SRA‑authorised solicitors’ firm who oversees compliance with the SRA Accounts rules, including systems and controls for handling client money and operating the client account. In practice, the COFA monitors and records breaches, ensures prompt remediation, and reports material breaches to the SRA; they may delegate tasks but retain oversight. In England and Wales, “COFA” is a defined regulatory role under rule 9 of the SRA authorisation of Firms Rules. Every authorised body must designate a COFA and obtain SRA approval. The COFA must be a...

COFA job description and role profile for SRA Accounts Rules compliance, systems and controls, monitoring and breach reporting (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Practice Compliance expert

Precedents

1 compliance officer for finance and administration (COFA) details

Firm name [ Insert firm name ]
COFA’s name [ Insert name ]
Reporting line [ Insert name ]
Employment status (full-time/part-time) [ Insert ]
Other positions held in the firm [ Insert ]
Firm appointment date [ Insert date ]
SRA approval date [ Insert date ]

2 Role summary

2.1 Steer [ insert firm name ]’s [ global ] approach and ethos for compliance with the SRA Accounts rules.
2.2 Undertake all proportionate measures to make sure [ insert firm name ] and its managers, staff, or interest holders meet their duties under the SRA Accounts Rules.
2.3 Guarantee swift notification to the SRA of any material breach of the SRA Accounts Rules, and any other reportable issues concerning [ insert firm name ] and its managers or employees.

3 Job description/role profile

3.1 Compliance culture and strategy

3.1.1 Champion a firm-wide ethos of regulatory adherence within [ insert firm’s name ] regarding the SRA Accounts Rules.

...

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Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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