Senior Client Account Specialist

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP•Washington, DC

2d•$105,000 - $115,000

About The Position

This is a high-visibility, high-ownership role for a billing and collections professional who wants true end-to-end accountability for a partner's book of business. The Senior Client Account Specialist is the dedicated financial partner to their assigned partners, owning the full billing and collection lifecycle. Reporting to the Client Account Manager, you will be the go-to expert and trusted advisor for your partners, driving results that directly impact the Firm's realization and cash flow. This is an opportunity to build deep, strategic relationships with partners and Firm leadership, to be seen as an indispensable member of their team, and to take full ownership of a significant and visible portfolio. You will collaborate closely with partners and practice group leaders, as well as Finance teams including Client Reporting and Revenue Operations to: (i) ensure the timeliness and accuracy of bills and secure prompt payment; (ii) ensure compliance with client outside counsel guidelines, rates aligned with client agreements, and other client-specific considerations before billing; and (iii) respond effectively and accurately to partner and client requests. If you thrive on ownership, enjoy being a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, and want a role where your impact is immediately visible, this is the opportunity for you.

Requirements

4+ years of relevant billing and client relationship experience at a law firm is required, including direct experience supporting partners.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and Word, including experience creating partner-ready materials.
Deep working knowledge of legal billing systems (Aderant preferred) and processes, with the ability to quickly adapt to new systems and troubleshoot complex issues.
Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, with demonstrated ability to serve as a trusted point of contact for partners, attorneys, clients, and senior business professionals on complex billing matters.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet partner deadlines and client expectations.
A collegial, dependable team player who builds trust and credibility with partners and serves as a go-to resource and informal mentor for less experienced team members.
Receptive to feedback, with the ability to implement and learn from corrections, including direct guidance from partners, and the professionalism to incorporate guidance constructively.
Highly detail-oriented with advanced knowledge of billing and collections processes, including experience handling complex or non-standard billing arrangements.
Consistently demonstrates polished, white-glove customer service for partners, internal stakeholders, and external clients, setting the standard for service quality on the team.
Operates with a high degree of independence, exercising sound professional judgement on matters with financial or client-relationship impact, and knows when and how to escalate appropriately.
Anticipates partners’ and clients’ needs, proactively identifies billing trends or risks, and recommends solutions before issues arise.
Takes ownership of process improvement initiatives, helping to drive efficiencies that benefit the broader client account team and partner experience.
Exhibits strong leadership qualities, sound judgement, and the discretion expected of a senior professional entrusted with sensitive financial and client information.
Serves as a mentor and informal resource for newer team members, helping train, guide, and troubleshoot on complex billing scenarios.

Responsibilities

Own and drive the billing and collection process end to end, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing and payment of clients for your assigned partners, practice groups, and/or offices.
Monitor assigned partners’ 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 drive resolution, as needed.
Update key finance reports (e.g., projection amounts, clear and concise billing or AR comments) daily, to ensure timely and high-quality reporting for Senior Management.
Take ownership of more complex billing scenarios, ensuring a timely and accurate billing and collections process throughout.
Proactively follow-up with partners and escalate any billing or collection issues or delays.
Respond to billing and AR inquiries; prepare accurate bills including narrative descriptions, transfers and on account applications, with high attention to detail.
Act as a trusted advisor to your assigned partners by interpreting and influencing their approach through meticulous review of their SOE, and by understanding the billing arrangement and billing frequency of each matter and client.
Obtain and review Engagement Letters and Outside Counsel Guidelines to support adherence to 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 ebilling, to ensure accurate client invoices, submission requirements, and reporting.
Coordinate and lead regular UBT/AR meetings with your assigned partners regularly (e.g., at least once a month), serving as their primary point of contact on billing and collections strategy.
Monitor bill processing status and perform necessary follow up.
Ensure successful submission of E-Billing thru Billblast or directly through the client’s third-party E-Billing vendor.
Partner with the Client Account and Revenue Operations teams to develop and implement efficiencies in the billing process.
Validate and test functionality and reports during billing system and report upgrades.
Support the Client Account Managers and Advisors with all aspects of the client accounting team’s day-to-day operations, in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.
Take part in ad hoc client analysis projects as requested and manage a portfolio of complex matters; special projects, as assigned.
Clearly document areas of responsibility for partner requirements, including key client requirements (billing, collecting, fee arrangements) to enable more streamlined collaboration, clarity, and coverage across the team.