Summary

The Accounts Receivable Specialist supports the Accounts Receivable Supervisor and Manager in the collection and follow-up of client receivables across the Firm. The Accounts Receivable Specialist assists attorneys with monitoring, tracking and collecting of past-due balances, working directly with clients on collections as requested. This position requires extensive contact with the Firm’s billing partners and legal secretaries, and the Accounts Receivable Specialist provides the highest level of professionalism and customer service at all times. The Accounts Receivable Specialist regularly collaborates with other accounting departments, including ebilling, Billing, Cash Applications, Cost Recovery, Pricing, Client Arrangements, and Revenue Management, to help minimize any financial exposure to the Firm.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Handle a significant portfolio of Firmwide Client Collection responsibilities in addition to the client receivables of assigned billing partners.
• Use Firm’s collection system on a daily basis to identify collection follow-ups and to document collection statuses.
• Review and analyze accounts receivable aging and payment trends, identifying potential recoverability concerns for outstanding balances. Escalate potential issues as appropriate.
• Understand and follow the electronic billing life cycle process in order to take the appropriate actions to resolve accounts receivable.
• Contact clients via frequent phone calls, emails, and formal letters to follow-up on status of unpaid invoices.
• Act as an advisor to the Firm’s billing partners on ways to improve the collection cycle for their clients.
• Negotiate, document, and arrange payment schedules. Monitor and report on instances of missed deadlines based on agreed-to payment schedule.
• Work in a fast-paced environment, handling multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Assist with special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of two years of related experience
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel
• Understanding of general accounting principles as they apply to the Revenue Cycle

Preferred:

• Previous law firm (or other professional services firm) experience in collections or billing
• Experience with electronic billing vendor websites
• Experience with collections software

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer