Client Accounts Specialist

Alston & Bird•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Client Accounts Specialist plays a key role in supporting Alston & Bird's financial success by managing a portfolio of client accounts and helping drive the timely resolution of outstanding invoices. Partnering closely with clients, attorneys, billers, and Finance team members, this position blends relationship management, problem solving, and financial analysis to navigate complex account matters, identify strategic collection priorities, and deliver an exceptional client experience. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who enjoys building relationships, collaborating across teams, and making a meaningful impact on business operations.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey account status, payment issues, and next steps clearly and professionally.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, staff, clients, and Finance team members.
Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and tact when handling sensitive client account matters and difficult collection conversations.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet follow-up deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to research account history, identify root causes of payment delays, and recommend practical solutions.
Sound business judgment and the ability to work independently while knowing when to escalate issues to the Senior Manager of Client Accounts.
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 5 years of commercial collections, accounts receivable, billing, or related client account experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
Working knowledge of collection practices, account reconciliation, dispute resolution, and client follow-up procedures.
Ability to understand and follow procedures, instructions, and workflows specific to assigned practice groups and client account responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, ARCS, Aderant, and client e-billing platforms preferred.
Prior law firm, professional services, commercial collections, or accounts receivable experience preferred.
College coursework or degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience with law firm billing systems, e-billing platforms, and client account management tools preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage assigned client account portfolios by reviewing account history, aging, payment trends, and outstanding balances to determine appropriate collection strategies.
Monitor invoice status across internal systems and client e-billing platforms; identify rejected, pending, disputed, or delayed invoices and initiate follow-up action.
Proactively communicate with clients, attorneys, billers, legal administrative assistants, and Finance team members to obtain payment information, resolve account issues, and support timely collections.
Research and resolve, or escalate as appropriate, disputed invoices, short payments, unapplied payments, missing remittances, and other account discrepancies.
Prepare clear and accurate account updates, collection notes, and follow-up reminders using ARCS collection software and other Firm systems.
Maintain professional, client-focused communication while balancing the Firm’s collection objectives with the importance of long-term client relationships.
Partner with the Senior Manager of Client Accounts to identify collection risks, prioritize high-impact accounts, and support practice group collection goals.
Follow established Firm policies, Finance procedures, and human resources guidelines while exercising sound judgment within prescribed operating parameters.
Build effective working relationships with internal and external contacts, including partners, associates, administrative personnel, staff, and clients.