Client Accounting Regional Manager

Skadden • Palo Alto, CA

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Client Accounting Regional Manager to join our Firm. This position will be based in our Palo Alto office (hybrid). The Client Accounting Regional Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing the daily activities related to billing and collections within the Client Accounting Department for assigned offices. The role includes supervising business services professionals, optimizing workflow processes, supporting partners with billing and collection challenges, managing accounts receivable, preparing client bills, and generating customized reports and charts.

Client Accounting Provides strategic oversight to the billing and collections process for assigned offices, in alignment with partner billing and collection objectives. Develops and maintains deep knowledge of Firm processes and applications (e.g., Aderant, MS Office) as they relate to Client Accounting. Responsible for day-to-day operations of department. Creates and maintains workflow processes, departmental goals, and objectives for assigned business services professionals to ensure smooth operations and optimal departmental function. Maintains up-to-date billing and collections information on the intranet. Handles complex billing and client analysis projects. Reviews and resolves outstanding billing issues. Analyzes reports to identify trends and develop effective billing/collection strategies. Meets with partners to discuss goals, objectives, and issues and documents discussion for follow-up actions. Communicates with clients on behalf of partners as needed. Prepares bills, internal forms, backup documentation, write-offs, transfers, retainer/on-account applications, and follow up on processing. Communicates evolving situations to senior management and suggests solutions.

General Managerial Responsibilities Ensures current knowledge of Firm policies and practices, current knowledge of industry trends, and continued professional development for business services professionals. Advises employees on escalation of critical or sensitive billing matters. Oversees department projects, day-to-day operations, and long-range plans for assigned offices. Engages in strategic (i.e., long-range) planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives. Recommends and implements changes and improvements in methods and procedures to higher level management, as well as guidelines and practices that promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values. Provides ongoing coaching and collaborates on quality improvements and/or enhancements to department operating efficiency. Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures. Participates in the interviewing, selection, and training process. Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies. Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to set expectations, monitor, coach, and address unsatisfactory performance. Guides employees in problem resolution and initiates disciplinary procedures with HR as needed. Ensures accurate and timely responses to requests for departmental services. Identifies training needs within the department and assists in developing training courses. Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others. Periodically travels to assigned offices. Manages Firm resources responsibly. Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies, and procedures. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of Client Accounting field and procedures, trends, and techniques.
• Proficiency with Firm computer systems (Aderant, MS Office) and ability to learn new systems.
• Understanding of Firm and department operations, policies, and procedures.
• Experience with annual budget processes.
• Strong managerial skills, analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbally.
• Demonstrates close attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters.
• Demonstrates experience with leading and supervising others.
• Ability to administer Firm policies and procedures.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and delegate work.
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team.
• Ability to use discretion, exercise good judgment and demonstrate initiative.
• Flexibility to travel.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs.
• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum of eight years of directly related experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Seven years of management experience.
• Experience with Aderant or similar accounting software applications.

Responsibilities

• Managing and overseeing the daily activities related to billing and collections within the Client Accounting Department for assigned offices.
• Supervising business services professionals.
• Optimizing workflow processes.
• Supporting partners with billing and collection challenges.
• Managing accounts receivable.
• Preparing client bills.
• Generating customized reports and charts.
• Provides strategic oversight to the billing and collections process for assigned offices, in alignment with partner billing and collection objectives.
• Develops and maintains deep knowledge of Firm processes and applications (e.g., Aderant, MS Office) as they relate to Client Accounting.
• Responsible for day-to-day operations of department.
• Creates and maintains workflow processes, departmental goals, and objectives for assigned business services professionals to ensure smooth operations and optimal departmental function.
• Maintains up-to-date billing and collections information on the intranet.
• Handles complex billing and client analysis projects.
• Reviews and resolves outstanding billing issues.
• Analyzes reports to identify trends and develop effective billing/collection strategies.
• Meets with partners to discuss goals, objectives, and issues and documents discussion for follow-up actions.
• Communicates with clients on behalf of partners as needed.
• Prepares bills, internal forms, backup documentation, write-offs, transfers, retainer/on-account applications, and follow up on processing.
• Communicates evolving situations to senior management and suggests solutions.
• Ensures current knowledge of Firm policies and practices, current knowledge of industry trends, and continued professional development for business services professionals.
• Advises employees on escalation of critical or sensitive billing matters.
• Oversees department projects, day-to-day operations, and long-range plans for assigned offices.
• Engages in strategic (i.e., long-range) planning by developing departmental goals and supporting objectives.
• Recommends and implements changes and improvements in methods and procedures to higher level management, as well as guidelines and practices that promote efficiency, effectiveness, excellent customer service and improved employee relations, in alignment with the Firm's Core Values.
• Provides ongoing coaching and collaborates on quality improvements and/or enhancements to department operating efficiency.
• Develops and communicates departmental guidelines and procedures.
• Participates in the interviewing, selection, and training process.
• Monitors time, attendance, overtime, and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with Firm policies.
• Effectively utilizes the Firm's performance management process to set expectations, monitor, coach, and address unsatisfactory performance.
• Guides employees in problem resolution and initiates disciplinary procedures with HR as needed.
• Ensures accurate and timely responses to requests for departmental services.
• Identifies training needs within the department and assists in developing training courses.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Periodically travels to assigned offices.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies, and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
• Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid leave options, including parental.
• In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities.
• Robust well-being classes and programs.
• Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager