Overview:
Cleary Gottlieb is a pioneer in globalizing the legal profession. We have 16 offices in major financial centers around the world, but we operate as a single, integrated global partnership and not a U.S. firm with a network of overseas locations. The firm employs approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than 50 countries.
Since 1946 our lawyers and staff have worked across practices, industries, jurisdictions and continents to provide clients with simple, actionable approaches to their most complex legal and business challenges, whether domestic or international. We support every client relationship with intellectual agility, commercial acumen and a human touch.
Reporting to the Client Account Manager, the Client Account Advisor is responsible for leading the billing and collection strategy for their assigned partners and practice groups in conjunction with firm best practices as well as in accordance with client requirements. This position will (i) collaborate closely with partners and practice group leaders along with other Finance teams including client reporting, and revenue operations teams, (ii) ensure timeliness and accuracy of bills as well as securing prompt payment, (iii) train billers on client best practices to ensure compliance with client outside counsel guidelines, rates in-line with client agreements before billing, and other client considerations (iv) respond effectively and accurately to partner or client requests.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the billing and collection process for to ensure accurate and timely invoicing and payment of clients for assigned partners, practice groups/offices.
- Monitor monthly aging AR reports and take appropriate action to ensure each invoice is paid on time and in full; direct teams to 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 of reporting for Senior Management.
- Follow-up with partners and escalate any billing or collection issues or delays.
- Respond to billing and AR inquiries.
- Provide monthly updates on unbilled time and AR status, including reports, metrics and presentations.
- Participate in office and/or practice group meetings to understand strategy, challenges, and goals of assigned offices or practice groups. Provide reports/updates, as required.
- Collaborate with internal clients and other finance teams, such as Pricing Operations and ebilling, to ensure accurate client invoices, submission requirements, and reporting.
- Provide training on client best practices, requirements, and key reports or procedures.
- 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.
- Create and maintain desk notes for office or practice group.
- Assist in development and maintenance of billing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal best practices, as well as client requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve billing efficiency and accuracy and work with Manager to implement strategies to achieve these goals.
- Build strong relationships across finance as well as practice groups, offices, and partners.
- Participate in technology testing and software reviews, as required.
- Special projects, as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related fields.
- Minimum of 5+ years of relevant billing and client relationship experience at a professional service firm or law firm is required.
- Experience with Aderant is a plus.
- Proficiency with Excel and Word.
- An innovative team player that is willing to pitch in when needed and offer ideas to better the group.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines.
- Excellent writing, organizational and communication skills, which is effective at all levels, particularly with attorneys.
- Detail-oriented with in-depth knowledge of billing and collections processes, strong technical billing and client service skills, ability to investigate issues and errors, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, consensus-driven, partnership environment with highly skilled professionals.
The estimated base salary range for this position is $110,000.00 to $120,000.00 at the time of posting. The actual salary offered will depend on a variety of job-related factors, including skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities, geographic location, and performance.
Cleary provides a comprehensive benefits package, including health care benefits. More information can be found here: Benefits
At Cleary Gottlieb, all members of our community deserve respect as individuals and appreciation for the contributions they make to our community. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion, and creating equal opportunities to develop and succeed.