www.clearygottlieb.com

Client Account Specialist - EME

The Client Account Specialist is responsible for implementing the billing and collections strategy for the partners and practice groups assigned to them, in accordance with the firm’s practices and client requirements.

Working closely with partners and the finance teams (client reporting, revenue operations), they ensure the accuracy and timeliness of invoices as well as securing prompt payment, compliance with Outside Counsel Guidelines and rate agreements, as well as the efficient handling of requests from partners and clients.

Responsibilities

  • Drive the billing and collection process to ensure accurate and timely invoicing and payment of clients for assigned partners.
  • Monitor assigned partner’s monthly aging AR reports and take appropriate action to ensure each invoice is paid on time and in full; follow-up on underpayments and help with resolution, as needed.
  • Update key finance reports (e.g. projection amounts, clear and concise billing or AR comments) daily, to ensure timely and quality reporting for Senior Management.
  • Prepare for, coordinate and lead UBT/AR meetings with assigned partners at least once a month. Ex-billing processes and ensure timely and accurate billing and collections.
  • Follow-up with assigned partners and escalate any billing or collection issues or delays to Client Account Manager - EME.
  • Respond to billing and AR enquiries.
  • Preparation of bills, including narrative descriptions, transfers and on account applications, with strong attention to detail and proofreading.
  • Assist your assigned partners by reviewing their SOE, understanding the billing arrangement and billing frequency of each matter and client.
  • Obtain and understand engagement letter and Outside Counsel Guidelines, and review timekeeper diaries and costs to ensure compliance with client requirements.
  • Collaborate with other finance teams, such as Pricing Operations, E-Billing, and Revenue Operations to ensure accurate client invoices, submission requirements, and reporting, and to develop efficiencies in billing processes
  • Monitor bill processing status and perform necessary follow up.
  • Ensure successful submission of E-Billing through Bill Blast or directly through the clients third party vendor. Support the Client Account team, as needed, with all aspects of day-to-day operations of the Client Account team in accordance with Firm Policies and procedures. 
  • Participate in ad hoc client analysis projects as requested and handle a portfolio of complex matters.
  • Clearly document areas of responsibility for partner requirements, including key client requirements (billing, collecting, fee arrangements) in order to allow more streamlined collaboration, clarity and coverage among team.

Experience, Skills and Competencies

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Business Administration, or related fields is desirable.
  • Minimum 4-5 years of relevant billing and client relationship experience at a professional service firm or law firm is required.
  • Fluency in French and English, both written and oral, is required
  • High level of proficiency with Excel and Word.
  • Experience with Aderant highly advantageous.
  • Strong listening skills and ability to communicate clearly.
  • Excellent time management.
  • Detail-oriented with good foundational knowledge of billing and collections processes, strong technical billing and client service skills.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, consensus-driven, partnership environment with highly skilled professionals.
  • Demonstrates strong customer service for both internal and external clients.
  • Ability to work independently and make informed judgments and decisions; possesses professional maturity to know when to escalate issues that have a financial impact on the firm.
  • Team player, good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to anticipate clients’ needs and future requests based on trends.
  • Proactively seeks ways to make improvements.
  • Exhibits leadership characteristics and displays sound work ethic.
  • Acts as a role model and subject matter expert to more junior staff.
  • Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

If you are looking for a position in an international environment where collegiality, integrity, excellence, passion and going the extra mile are the core values, then please send your cover letter and CV to ParAdminRecruit@cgsh.com.