What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Billing position at Akerman LLP?
Founded in 1920, Akerman is recognized as one of the nation’s premier law firms, with more than 700 lawyers across the United States. Akerman LLP is seeking a Director of Billing to oversee and manage the firm’s billing operations, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant billing processes while supporting attorneys, practice groups, and firm leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Provide firmwide leadership and strategic oversight of billing operations, including Billing Managers, Supervisors, and Billing Specialists.
- Establish, implement, and continuously improve billing policies, procedures, and best practices aligned with firm financial goals.
- Oversee the end-to-end billing cycle, including invoice preparation, review, approval, and distribution, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Ensure compliance with Outside Counsel Guidelines, engagement terms, and firm policies across all billing activities.
- Serve as the senior escalation point for complex billing issues, client concerns, and high-value matters.
- Oversee all electronic billing processes and platforms, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and resolution of rejections or discrepancies.
- Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and system enhancements to improve billing efficiency and accuracy.
- Coordination with other key Finance and Operational teams including the Client Services Team (Cash Application and Collections), Accounts Payable and Conflicts / New Business Intake team
- Partner with Financial Systems and IT teams to optimize billing tools and reporting capabilities.
- Lead, mentor, and develop billing leadership and staff, including performance management, training, and succession planning.
- Develop and monitor key performance metrics related to billing accuracy, timeliness, and revenue realization.
- Collaborate with attorneys, clients, and cross-functional finance teams to resolve billing issues and enhance client satisfaction.
- Provide reporting and analysis on billing performance, trends, and risks to firm leadership.
- Ensure appropriate internal controls, policies, and documentation are in place to support audit and compliance requirements.
- Coordinate staffing, workload distribution, and contingency planning to ensure operational continuity.
- 10 years of experience in legal billing or professional services billing, preferably within a large law firm.
- 5 years of leadership experience, including oversight of managers and/or large teams.
- Experience with Elite 3E, Enterprise, Aderant, , eBilling Hub, Paperless Proforma, IntApp Time and similar systems.
- Deep understanding of Outside Counsel Guidelines, legal billing processes, and revenue cycle management.
- Demonstrated leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with attorneys, clients, and executive leadership.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong work ethic, integrity, and commitment to meeting deadlines.
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. (advanced degree or CPA a plus).
- Ability to perform sustained computer-based work, including billing review, analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with attorneys, staff, and leadership.
- Ability to analyze financial data and exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to supervise and support staff performance and development.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with financial and data security requirements.
- Ability to work on-site in the office as required by business and operational needs.
- Ability to work on a hybrid basis when approved, consistent with firm policy and business requirements.