Job Title: Client Accounting Manager
Job Responsibilities:
The Client Accounting Manager is tasked with leading the Billing Helpline and Cost Recovery functions within the Revenue Operations team at a law firm. This role is pivotal in ensuring the accurate and timely processing and resolution of revenue-related transactions and in driving service excellence in client accounting operations. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing the Billing Helpline, which serves as a centralized support function for internal stakeholders such as attorneys, legal secretaries, billers, and other administrative departments for revenue-related inquiries.
- Overseeing the accurate and policy-compliant processing of revenue-related transactions, including transfers to non-billable matters and time or cost write-offs, while maintaining clear documentation and approvals.
- Acting as a control point for sensitive revenue adjustments to ensure adherence to internal policies and procedures.
- Providing functional support to front-end users of the law firm’s time entry billing system, addressing time billing inquiries, and resolving issues promptly.
- Leading the administration of the law firm’s cost recovery processes, including the validation of billable expenses, vendor integrations, and exception handling.
- Developing and enforcing policies and procedures to improve cost recovery accuracy and compliance.
- Identifying and implementing process improvements and automation opportunities to streamline client accounting activities.
- Serving as a resource and escalation point for complex client accounting issues and cross-functional coordination.
- Preparing and delivering client accounting data and supporting schedules to facilitate the law firm’s external financial statement audits.
- Supervising, managing, leading by example, mentoring, and coaching the members of the department to develop a world-class team that provides superior customer service to all internal and external clients, and completing staff evaluations annually.
- Promoting a high level of customer service within the team and ensuring customer service standards are set and achieved.
- Assessing the staffing needs of the department and working with the Revenue Operations Associate Director to ensure the department has the appropriate level of support to meet the law firm’s objectives. Assisting with interviewing and selecting new hires as needed.
- Collaborating and developing strong working relationships with other departments, including Billing, Accounts Receivable, Electronic Billing, Revenue Management, Financial Terms Management, General Accounting, Conflicts and New Business, and Information Technology.
- Maintaining a deep understanding of the legal industry, the law firm’s practices, clients, and business processes.
Education and Experience Information:
To be considered for the Client Accounting Manager position, the candidate must meet the following educational and experience requirements:
Required:
- A Bachelor’s degree, preferably in business, accounting, or finance.
- A minimum of 7 years of accounting experience.
- A minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
- Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with other Microsoft Office products.
Preferred:
- Previous experience working in a law firm or other professional services firm.
- Experience with Elite 3E.
Other Skills and Abilities:
The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate the following skills and abilities:
- Strong organizational skills.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Good judgment.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with others.
- Ability to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion.
- Ability to work under pressure.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities.
Salary Information:
Salaries for the Client Accounting Manager position vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. In Illinois, the target salary range is between $125,000 and $140,000. The compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be accessed through the law firm’s benefits portal.
The law firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
