Summary

The Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist assists the Firm’s partners in the collection of and reporting on past due accounts receivable. Extensive contact with both partners and clients is a major component of this position. This position works directly with Accounts Receivable Managers and regularly collaborates with other accounting departments, including Billing, ebilling, Cash Applications, Cost Recovery, Client Arrangements, and Revenue Management, to help minimize any financial exposure to the Firm.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently provide collection assistance to one particular office
• Assist in the preparation of reports for and participation in local office Accounting & Finance Committee meetings
• Handle a significant portfolio of Firmwide Client Collection responsibilities in addition to AR portfolio of local office
• Review and analyze accounts receivable aging
• Contact clients via phone, email, and formal letters to follow-up on status of unpaid invoices
• Negotiate, document, and arrange payment schedules
• Documents collection status using the Firm’s Collection Notes system
• Assists with special projects, including creating, formatting, and editing Excel spreadsheets
• Maintains frequent telephone contact with clients regarding questions concerning the status of their receivables
• Assist with training and mentoring of new employees and less experienced Accounts Receivable staff, including the Accounts Receivable Assistant. Effectively utilizes the Accounts Receivable Assistant to create efficiencies within the department
• Participates and leads regular meetings with partners and practice groups
• Performs other duties as assigned or as judgment or necessity dictates

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:

• A minimum of five years of experience in collections.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint with the ability to use advanced Excel features
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent customer service orientation

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or other relevant field
• Previous experience at a law firm or other professional services firm
• Experience with 3E and collection 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