Client Accounts Administrator

Client Accounts Administrator

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Summary : The client accounts administrator is expected to successfully manage the firm's top-tier billing portfolios based on defined support models to include highest volumes and fees for institutional, high-profile clients and attorneys. Serves as proxy for regional supervisors as needed and is considered a subject-matter expert in the field of billing. Represents the department by participating in client meetings and across groups and sets and drives agendas impacting billing practices and processes. Works with a team of support specialists within both legal support services and accounting teams to provide effective, streamlined billing and client account services to attorneys of the firm. Responsible for handling the most complex domestic and global billing clients. Edits, proofreads, finalizes, and submits invoices to clients on a monthly billing cycle. Researches client billing data and provides detailed analysis to attorneys and support staff. As part of the team, provides and ensures a cohesive, full-cycle billing support solution to billing attorneys with complex domestic and international billing books. Provides training and mentoring to other staff members on all billing procedures.

Location : This position can sit in our Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Reston, Short Hills, Tampa, Washington D.C., or Wilmington offices and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities :

• US Clients : Expected to manage complex billing in terms of volumes, global clients, and electronic billing assignments.
• Performs a variety of duties to support the full billing cycle to include reviewing and editing prebills, seeking requisite approvals for deferrals, write-offs and time transfers.
• Fields billing inquiries. Tracks and resolves tickets assigned by the accounting service desk on a daily basis. Meets SLA requirements for response and resolution.
• High level of proficiency in BillBlast and key electronic billing vendor sites, quality assurance prior to client invoice finalization, and root-cause analysis for electronic bill rejection. Pursues root-cause rejection resolution.
• High level of proficiency in Aderant, pre-bill preparation, invoice finalization, accruals, and quality assurance of client invoice.
• Maintains an accurate description of all client billing requirements which may also include guidelines established by the client's general counsel. Updates and tracks changes to the requirements as necessary. Able to summarize and communicate to key stakeholders.
• Responsible for obtaining complex monthly reporting that may require collaboration with other teams. Reviews data for accuracy prior to submitting.
• Gathers and submits accrual information based on client requirements.
• Finalizes invoices and submits directly to the client (per policy) or provides to attorneys for transmission to the client (per approved exceptions to policy). Includes other billing information as needed.
• Submits finalized invoices electronically based on client requirements.
• Continuously strives to improve client service and deliverables. Utilizes knowledge of the legal industry to deliver appropriate solutions to the client.
• Shares expertise and knowledge to support team member development. Effectively engages with all team members.
• Able to proxy for or with manager when additional team support is required.
• Drives improvements through collaboration with other departments.
• Engages appropriate tools and resources provided to effectively deliver assignments and meet deadlines. Manages time efficiently.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Global Clients : Coordinates and leads global client unified billing. This includes managing global client account assignments and performing all full-cycle billing functions associated with both the firm's and the client's billing requirements.
• Responsible for obtaining complex monthly reporting that may require collaboration with other teams. Reviews data for accuracy prior to submitting.
• Liaises directly, or via assigned team support, with international counterparts to obtain accurate accrual and forecasting information for monthly client reporting.
• Keeps U.S. billing timekeeper informed and follows up with international counterparts as required to ensure that engaged locations stay within budget and issues invoices timely. Initiates troubleshooting issues with finance counterparts as needed.
• Tracks and resolves tickets assigned by the accounting service desk on a daily basis.
• Generates global client LEDES files for electronic billing based on client requirements.

Desired Skills : Strong communication and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff and timekeepers. Must be team-oriented and have ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Must be an accurate proofreader and have strong attention to detail. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex problems required. Must have proven analytical skills. Has ability to work independently and is able to take direction well.

Minimum Education : High school diploma or GED. Preferred education : Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or similar field highly preferred.

Minimum Years of Experience : 5 years successfully managing high volume billing portfolios in a fast-paced environment. Must have an expert level of knowledge and experience with direct billing or client accounts (to include domestic and global billing; and e-billing) for a law or professional services organization required. Experience as a team lead preferred. Is considered a subject-matter expert. Strong computer skills including advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting systems such as Aderant. Requires proficiency in e-billing applications such as Bill Blast or e-Billing Hub.

Essential Job Expectations : While the specific job requirements of a DLA Piper position may vary depending upon scope of the job and area of specialty, there are certain universal requirements that are expected of all DLA Piper employees, which include but are not limited to : Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties. Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner. Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product. Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required. Foster positive work relationships. Comply with all firm policies and practices. Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital / virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed. Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment. Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.