Client Account Specialist

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP•New York, NY

About The Position

Cleary Gottlieb is a global law firm with fourteen offices and approximately 1,100 lawyers from more than fifty countries. The Client Account Specialist owns the day-to-day billing and collection strategy for an assigned portfolio of partners, practice groups, and/or offices. The role works closely with partners and practice groups, Client Reporting, Revenue Operations, and other Finance teams to ensure accurate, timely invoices and prompt payment while meeting client agreements, outside counsel guidelines, and other client requirements. The position offers direct partner exposure, ownership of a meaningful portfolio, and a growth path toward more senior client account positions. The specialist supports billing and collections operations, partner and client inquiries, reporting, e-billing, and process improvements. The role reports to the Client Account Manager and is non-exempt, making it eligible for overtime pay.

Requirements

At least 2 years of relevant billing and client relationship experience at a professional services firm or law firm.
Proficiency with Excel and Word and the ability to produce polished materials for partners.
Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to interact confidently and professionally with partners, attorneys, clients, and senior business professionals.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet partner deadlines and client expectations.
Ability to learn billing systems and processes quickly and understand individual partner and client preferences and requirements.
Collegial, dependable team player who builds trust and credibility with partners and contributes to a collaborative environment.
Receptiveness to feedback and ability to implement and learn from corrections and direct partner guidance.
Strong attention to detail and foundational knowledge of billing and collections processes.
Ability to provide polished, high-quality service to internal and external clients.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and recognize when to escalate issues with financial or client-relationship impact.
Ability to anticipate partner and client needs and proactively identify billing issues or trends.
Ability to identify and implement process improvements.
Leadership qualities and a reliable, high-integrity work ethic appropriate for a partner-facing role that impacts firm revenue.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience directly supporting partners or senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Own and drive billing and collections for assigned partners, practice groups, and/or offices to ensure accurate, timely invoicing and payment.
Monitor monthly aging accounts receivable reports, follow up on unpaid invoices, and help resolve underpayments.
Update finance reports daily, including projections and clear billing or accounts receivable comments, for timely and high-quality senior management reporting.
Develop an understanding of complex billing processes and help ensure timely and accurate billing and collections.
Follow up proactively with assigned partners and escalate billing or collection issues and delays to the Client Account Manager.
Respond to billing and accounts receivable inquiries; prepare bills, narrative descriptions, transfers, and on-account applications accurately and with careful proofreading.
Advise assigned partners by reviewing their SOE, understanding matter and client billing arrangements and frequency, and influencing their approach as appropriate.
Obtain and review engagement letters and outside counsel guidelines to support compliance with client requirements for timekeeper diaries and costs.
Work with internal clients and Finance teams, including Pricing Operations and e-billing, to ensure accurate invoices, submission compliance, and reporting.
Prepare for, coordinate, and lead regular UBT/accounts receivable meetings with assigned partners, serving as their primary billing and collections strategy contact.
Monitor bill processing and perform necessary follow-up.
Ensure successful e-billing submissions through Billblast or clients’ third-party e-billing vendors.
Collaborate with Client Account and Revenue Operations teams to improve billing-process efficiency.
Validate and test functionality and reports during billing system and report upgrades.
Support Client Account Managers and Advisors with day-to-day team operations in accordance with firm policies and procedures.
Complete requested client analysis projects and manage complex matters and other assigned special projects.
Document partner responsibilities and key client requirements, including billing, collections, and fee arrangements, to support collaboration, clarity, and coverage.