Senior Client Accountant Specialist in London

Our client is an American Law firm, their head office is in New York, and they have additional offices in the rest of the USA, Europe, Asia and Latin America. They have been in London for over 25 years. The London office is ideally suited for Liverpool Street station.

They are now looking to hire a Senior Client Account Specialist to join their small billing team. The Senior 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.

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.
• Successful handling of more complex billing and ensuring timely and accurate billing and collections process.
• Follow-up with partners and escalate any billing or collection issues or delays.
• Respond to billing and AR inquiries.
• Preparation of bills including narrative descriptions, transfers and on account applications, with high attention to detail.
• Interpret, advise and influence assigned partners by reviewing their SOE, understanding the billing arrangement and billing frequency of each matter and client.
• Obtain and review/understand Engagement letters and Outside Counsel Guidelines to support adherence to these 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 E-Billing, to ensure accurate client invoices, submission requirements, and reporting.
• Coordinate and lead UBT/AR meetings with assigned partners regularly (e.g., at least once a month).
• Monitor bill processing status and perform necessary follow up.
• Ensure successful submission of E-Billing through Billblast or directly through the clients third 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 Managers and Advisors, 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 and special projects, as assigned.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent level professional qualification in Finance, Business Administration, or related fields is desirable.
• 4-5 years of relevant billing and client relationship experience at a professional service firm or law firm is required.
• Strong proficiency with Excel and Word.
• Highly organised and able to manage own workload and meet deadlines while working autonomously.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong knowledge of billing and collections processes, strong technical billing and client service skills, ability to investigate issues and errors.
• 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.
• 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 for more junior team members.