Client Account Specialist

Client Account Specialist

The Finance and Accounting Department of Arnold & Porter has an opening for a Client Account Specialist. The Client Account Specialist may work a hybrid work schedule in our Chicago, Denver, Houston, or Washington, DC office or may work 100% virtual/remote in a firm-approved U.S. state as part of the Gideon office. The Client Account Specialist is responsible for managing the account set up, billing, and collection arrangements, account, and inventory management for assigned client portfolios. The Client Account Specialist develops strong collaborative relationships with the attorneys throughout the full cycle of client invoicing and collections. This position analyzes inventory statistics, prepares supporting documentation, and makes recommendations based on business strategies. The Client Account Specialist works closely with management on the training and mentoring of the billing team members.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Establishing, fostering, and maintaining professional and collaborative relationships with attorneys, staff, and clients to ensure compliance with both attorney and client specifications, managing all billing and collections processes from engagement to collections with tact, diplomacy, and effective negotiation skills.
• Primarily handling complex billing arrangements which may include client-level billing and collections.
• Training and mentoring billing specialists.
• Verifying rates with the rate analysts, reviewing, and implementing the outside counsel guidelines, monitors fee caps, tier discounts, and matter budgets; setting up and monitoring alerts; communicating with the firms Billing & Intake Committee regarding discounts, write-downs, and write-offs.
• Managing the prebill to the final bill process; ensuring that billing attorneys receive accurate prebills and that they return their prebills in a timely manner; submitting finalized bills/eBills in appropriate template format, adhering to the attorney and client specifications; and confirming the final bills have been submitted to the client and are posted in the accounting system.
• Collaborating with the eBilling Coordinators for new client account set-ups with eBilling requirements; collaborating with Accounting Systems Administrator to update appropriate fields according to client billing guidelines; submitting invoices electronically, taking accountability for successful submission, and troubleshooting issues; and proactively following-up regarding acceptance and timely payment of eBills.
• Communicating directly with clients as requested or as established, including following-up on collections and contacting clients as needed. Concisely communicating arrangements with attorneys and clients on their matters; providing clients with requested information on any special billing and or collection arrangements. Responding to all inquiries relating to same.
• Responding to inquiries relating to accruals, audits, and payment reports; recommending solutions based on billing trends relating to realization; and preparing ad hoc reports upon request.
• Preparing effective monthly billing and collections forecasts for assigned portfolio(s). Maintaining updated pre-bill status report and collection projection tools; monitoring billing and collection numbers daily.
• Monitoring the unapplied cash report and offering resolutions when applicable and assisting Accounts Receivable with accurate payment applications. Keeping partners updated on available, unapplied and trust funds and applies funds when needed.
• Establishing effective back-up support processes (cross-training nd knowledge transfer) to ensure seamless support for all portfolio matters.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in accounting, finance or business discipline preferred or equivalent experience.
• Prior law firm billing experience required.
• Experience with Financial Management Systems software.
• Related experience performing complex accounting analysis utilizing advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• High level of business acumen and ability to multi-task.
• Ability to assess pertinent information and anticipate needs and outcomes.
• Ability to prepare accurate, highly detailed work product and prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Talent for delivering exceptional client service through teamwork and an ability to work independently.
• Ability to exchange information and to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely.
• Strong initiative to proactively increase value to the position.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Possess reliability, dependability, and motivation.
• Excellent organization and communications skills, both oral and written.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $57,120 to $95,000. The actual base salary offered will