Client Finance Analyst

Job Description:

The Client Finance Analyst serves as a member of the firm’s Collections function, responsible for managing Accounts Receivable and related credit exposure. Develop and execute collection strategies that improve cash flow, mitigate risk, and strengthen attorney and client relationships. A hybrid or remote work arrangement is available for this position.

A career at Nixon Peabody is the opportunity to do work that matters. It’s the chance to use your knowledge to shape what’s ahead. To share, to innovate, to learn at a firm that taps the power of collective thinking.

We’ve created a dynamic, energizing environment that promotes success for our clients and each other. We offer fast growth, connectedness and training in business as well as law. And our rigorous standards assure you are part of a diverse team of top talent at every turn.

If you’re someone who’s looking toward the future, we’d love to hear from you.

Location: Washington, DC

• Proactively monitor Accounts Receivable (A/R) and Work in Process (WIP) to identify collection trends, root causes of delinquency, and emerging credit risks. Apply a “whole client” approach by understanding practice area dynamics, services performed, WIP, costs advanced, payment patterns, credit balances, and other relevant factors for each client.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with attorneys to support collection efforts, including obtaining comfort and alignment for direct client outreach when appropriate. Develop tailored collection strategies and craft clear, persuasive communications to facilitate resolution.
• Contact clients regarding past due A/R and consistently follow up until payment is received or the account is resolved. Negotiate and resolve complex payment issues using best practices appropriate for a law firm/professional services environment.
• Document collection activity by updating the inventory management system with timely, concise notes on attorney and client communications, reasons for delinquency, actions taken, and expected payment timing. Demonstrate strong judgment, attention to detail, and high-quality business writing.
• Provide supporting documentation to internal stakeholders and clients as requested (e.g., invoices, contracts/engagement terms, insurance instruments, payment histories, and related reports), consistent with firm policy.
• Serve as a financial liaison between the firm and client representatives by establishing effective communication channels and promoting adherence to firm Billing and Collections policies; take prompt action when policy is not followed.
• Partner with the Billing Department to ensure invoices are prepared and delivered in accordance with client billing guidelines and outside counsel requirements. Collaborate with Business Managers, Treasurer, Practice Group Leaders, and others to resolve aged receivables. Identify potential risk management concerns and escalate appropriately to protect the firm.
• Review new matters for existing clients and provide recommendations regarding acceptance, billing terms, and credit considerations.
• Prepare revenue projections and other A/R-related reporting (e.g., aging trends, collection forecasts) as required.
• Review and approve client cost advances, within delegated authority, to manage credit exposure and ensure alignment with firm policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

To perform this job successfully, you must be able to perform each essential job responsibility listed above, satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation. Nixon Peabody retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. The requirements listed below are representative of the skills and abilities required.

• Minimum 3–5 years of related experience. Prior collections experience with significant client contact in a professional services (law firm preferred) environment strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field.
• Strong financial analysis, diagnostic, and problem-solving skills; able to identify drivers of delinquency and recommend practical solutions.
• Superior client service mindset with the ability to balance relationship management and firm financial objectives.
• Proactively takes ownership of the assigned accounts receivable portfolio, driving continuous improvement in performance against key metrics, and supports colleagues in achieving the same.
• Working knowledge of attorney practice areas and how collections norms vary by practice, plus general business practices relating to credit, A/R management, and A/P processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word required; experience with Aderant (or comparable legal time and billing systems) strongly preferred and ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Sound business judgment and understanding of financial systems; adaptable to evolving technology used in client accounting and collections.
• High energy, persuasive, self-motivated; excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with strong follow-through.
• Active listener who can work independently and collaboratively; proactively leverages relationships to drive resolution of past due accounts.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while tracking extensive detail and meeting deadlines.
  
  
  

In accordance with applicable Federal and State laws, the anticipated annual salary range for this position, depending on location, is as follows:

• Washington, DC: $77,500 to $114,950
  
  
  

In addition to a standard benefits package, this role may be eligible for additional contingent compensation based on an array of factors, including but not limited to: work performance, geographic location, work experience, education, and qualifications. Because such contingent compensation is not yet calculable or may be zero ($0) in some circumstances, the above-listed salary range(s) are Nixon Peabody’s good faith estimate of the annual salary(ies) it reasonably expects to pay for the position at the time of this posting.

Nixon Peabody LLP is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer: Disability / Veteran. Nixon Peabody is committed to creating a fair workplace and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To comply with Federal law, Nixon Peabody participates in E-Verify. All newly hired employees are verified through this electronic system established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to confirm their identity and employment eligibility. Please refer to the Notice of E-Verify Participation and the Right to Work posters on the Nixon Peabody Careers page for more information.

#Hybrid