At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage billing processes and client administration for legal matters.
- Company: Join a dynamic law firm with a focus on impactful work.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, private health insurance, and a pension plan.
- Other info: Enjoy a hybrid working model and vibrant social activities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that values your voice and ideas from day one.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and familiarity with billing systems preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Dispute Resolution practice has an exciting opportunity for a Business Assistant to join the team, based in either our Bristol or London office. The Business Assistant will be responsible for managing the end-to-end billing process and client matter administration across a portfolio of legal matters. The role will enable fee earners to focus their time on substantive legal work by reducing their administrative workload. The Business Assistant will play a key part in maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with detailed client billing guidelines. They will reduce the risk of queried or disputed invoices through accurate and compliant billing practices and help us continue to deliver very high levels of client service.
This role will coordinate with internal finance teams, legal practice managers, secretaries, fee earners and external stakeholders to ensure the smooth and timely issuing of invoices, as well as supporting client onboarding, matter opening and engagement letter processes. The creation and engrossing of bills will remain under the control of the Finance department and your role will require close liaison with the billing, eBilling and credit control teams to ensure issues are resolved smoothly.
Key Responsibilities- Review and correct timekeeper narratives and invoices to ensure accuracy, compliance with client billing guidelines, and check that correct rates are applied to matters.
- Ensure the addition of new timekeepers to matters is approved and enacted.
- Coordinate with internal finance teams and external parties (including barristers’ chambers) to manage professional disbursements, WIP balances, write-offs, and the processing of supplier invoices.
- Oversee the preparation, review and submission of monthly invoices, including liaising with Partners to confirm billing expectations, obtaining client approvals, and tracking that billing has been successfully uploaded by eBilling.
- Act as the main general point of contact for internal and external billing queries on these matters, responding to client requests for accruals and statements of account.
- Monitor and report on monthly billed fees and billing performance, providing regular status updates to Partners and so assisting the Finance function to deliver their billing and credit control roles.
- Maintain accurate records and data for reporting, tracking, and audit purposes, ensuring good filing practices and supporting ongoing performance improvements in the billing process.
- Manage client onboarding and matter opening process, engaging with the Business Acceptance team.
- Oversee and monitor the creation and maintenance of engagement letters, including ongoing reviews of matters.
- Oversee and report fee-earner time recording status, highlighting if time is missing.
- Familiarity with billing systems and financial processes within a law firm.
- Strong organisational skills and rigorous attention to detail.
- Ability to build rapport and manage relationships across multiple teams and with clients while managing competing priorities.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Problem-solving abilities and ability to work independently.
- Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and handle multiple tasks.
- Numerate and commercial.
- Proficiency in Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.
Key Highlights- Competitive compensation package, including bonuses, private medical insurance, and pension contribution.
- A global skills academy offering extensive learning opportunities for all employees.
- A hybrid working model, requiring a minimum of three days in-office, subject to role and client needs.
- Integration of traditional legal expertise with innovative Simmons & Simmons Solutions.
- Recognition as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
- Vibrant social and sports committees, as well as art collections featuring renowned artists.
- The introduction of a Strategic Advisory Council to drive strategic initiatives in line with our mission.
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment, offering equal employment opportunities across all spectrums of race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and more. Flexible working arrangements are supported, and we strive to make our roles accessible to all. Our employee networks offer additional support, detailed in our D&I Information booklet provided during the recruitment process. We value diversity and encourage applications from those who are passionate and willing to grow with us, even if not all requirements are met. Your unique experiences and perspectives are welcomed here.
For more information or to apply, please contact our Recruitment Team or visit our career page.
Business Assistant employer: Simmons & Simmons
Simmons & Simmons is an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture, where every voice is valued from day one. With a competitive compensation package, extensive learning opportunities through our global skills academy, and a commitment to employee growth, you will thrive in a dynamic environment that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model and recognition as a top employer for social mobility further enhance the appeal of joining our Bristol or London office as a Business Assistant.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence and nail that first impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Business Assistant role. Highlight your experience with billing systems and financial processes, as well as your organisational skills. We want to see how you can fit into our team!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves liaising with various teams and clients, it’s crucial to demonstrate your excellent communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect your ability to convey information effectively.
Highlight Problem-Solving Abilities:We love candidates who can think on their feet! Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those related to billing or client administration. This will show us you're ready to handle the pressures of the job.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our careers page! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simmons & Simmons
✨Know Your Billing Basics
Familiarise yourself with the billing processes and systems commonly used in law firms. Brush up on key terms like WIP balances, disbursements, and eBilling to show you understand the financial side of the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Think of times when you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects under tight deadlines, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Build Rapport with Examples
Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships across teams in previous roles. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improved collaboration, as this is crucial for the Business Assistant position.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Think of a few scenarios where you faced challenges in administrative tasks or billing processes. Prepare to explain how you approached these problems and what solutions you implemented, showcasing your ability to work independently and under pressure.
