Senior Client Account Specialist

Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP•New York, NY

About The Position

The Senior Client Account Specialist is a high-visibility, high-ownership billing and collections professional who serves as the dedicated financial partner to assigned partners, owning the full billing and collection lifecycle for a significant portfolio. Reporting to the Client Account Manager, this role advises partners and helps drive results that affect the Firm’s realization and cash flow. The position works closely with partners, practice group leaders, and Finance teams, including Client Reporting and Revenue Operations, to ensure bills are timely and accurate, payments are collected promptly, client requirements are observed, and partner and client requests are handled effectively. The role requires independent judgment, discretion, strong client service, and the ability to manage complex or non-standard billing arrangements. It also contributes to process improvements, billing-system testing, reporting, and team support, including serving as an informal mentor to less experienced colleagues. The role is non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay.

Requirements

At least 4 years of relevant billing and client relationship experience at a law firm, including direct experience supporting partners.
Advanced proficiency in Excel and Word, including experience creating partner-ready materials.
Deep working knowledge of legal billing systems and processes, with the ability to adapt quickly to new systems and troubleshoot complex issues.
Excellent writing, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, including the ability to serve as a trusted 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.
Collegial, dependable team player who builds trust and credibility with partners and serves as a resource for less experienced colleagues.
Receptive to feedback and able to incorporate corrections and direct partner guidance constructively.
Highly detail-oriented, with advanced knowledge of billing and collections processes and experience with complex or non-standard billing arrangements.
Consistently provides polished, high-quality service to partners, internal stakeholders, and external clients.
Able to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment on matters with financial or client-relationship impact, and escalate appropriately.
Anticipates partner and client needs, identifies billing trends or risks, and recommends solutions proactively.
Takes ownership of process-improvement initiatives that support team efficiency and the partner experience.
Demonstrates leadership, sound judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive financial and client information.
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience with Aderant preferred.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience with Aderant.

Responsibilities

Own and drive the end-to-end billing and collection process for assigned partners, practice groups, and/or offices, ensuring accurate and timely invoices and payments.
Monitor assigned partners’ monthly aging accounts receivable reports and take appropriate action to ensure invoices are paid on time and in full; direct follow-up on underpayments and help resolve them.
Update finance reports daily, including projection amounts and clear billing or accounts receivable comments, to support timely and high-quality Senior Management reporting.
Manage complex billing scenarios and maintain a timely and accurate billing and collections process.
Proactively follow up with partners and escalate billing or collection issues and delays.
Respond to billing and accounts receivable inquiries; prepare accurate bills, narrative descriptions, transfers, and on-account applications.
Advise assigned partners by reviewing their SOE and understanding matter- and client-specific billing arrangements and billing frequency.
Obtain and review Engagement Letters and Outside Counsel Guidelines; review timekeeper diaries and costs for compliance with client requirements.
Collaborate with internal clients and Finance teams, including Pricing Operations and e-billing, to ensure accurate invoices, submission requirements, and reporting.
Coordinate and lead regular UBT/accounts receivable meetings with assigned partners, serving as the primary contact on billing and collections strategy.
Monitor bill-processing status and perform necessary follow-up.
Ensure successful e-billing submissions through Billblast or clients’ third-party e-billing vendors.
Work with Client Account and Revenue Operations teams to develop and implement billing-process efficiencies.
Validate and test functionality and reports during billing-system and report upgrades.
Support Client Account Managers and Advisors with the client accounting team’s day-to-day operations in accordance with Firm policies and procedures.
Participate in ad hoc client analysis projects and manage a portfolio of complex matters and assigned special projects.
Document partner requirements and key client requirements, including billing, collections, and fee arrangements, to improve collaboration, clarity, and coverage across the team.
Serve as an informal mentor and resource for newer team members, helping train, guide, and troubleshoot complex billing scenarios.