Client Account Specialist - Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP

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 Specialist is responsible for successful execution of the billing and collection strategy for their assigned partners or office/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 groups 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) 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

• Drive the billing and collection process to ensure accurate and timely invoicing and payment of clients for assigned partners, practice groups, and/or offices.
• Monitor assigned partner’s 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 reporting for Senior Management
• Strong understanding of more complex 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.
• Respond to billing and AR inquiries. Preparation of bills, including narrative descriptions, transfers and on account applications, with strong attention to detail and proofreading.
• Interpret, advise and influence your assigned partners by reviewing their SOE, understanding the billing arrangement and billing frequency of each matter and client.
• Obtain and understand Engagement letters and Outside Counsel Guidelines so you can comply with client requirements. Review timekeeper diaries and costs to ensure compliance with client outside counsel guidelines
• Collaborate with internal clients and other finance teams, such as Pricing Operations and ebilling, to ensure accurate client invoices, submission requirements, and reporting
• Coordinate and lead UBT/AR meetings with your assigned partners regularly (e.g., at least once a month) and make sure you come prepared to those discussions.
• Monitor bill processing status and perform necessary follow up.
• Ensure successful submission of E-Billing thru Billblast or directly through the clients 3rd party E-Billing vendor.
• Collaborate with the Client Account and Revenue Operations teams to develop efficiencies in the billing process.
• Validate and test functionality and reports during billing system and report upgrades.
• Support the Client Account team, as needed, with all aspects of day-to-day operations of the client accounting team in accordance with Firm Policies and procedures.
• Take part in ad hoc client analysis projects as requested and handle a portfolio of complex matters; special projects, as assigned.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3-4 years of relevant billing and client relationship experience at a professional service firm or law firm is required.
• Proficiency with Excel and Word
• Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines
• Strong listening skills and ability to communicate clearly
• 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
• Able 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
• Has the 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 the junior staff

The estimated base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000 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. This role is non-exempt meaning that it is overtime pay eligible.

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.