Client Account Specialist - Graham Inc.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position: Client Account Specialist
Status: Direct Hire
Location: Washington, DC


*Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal*

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
This opportunity is for work inside of a world-class law firm with 15 offices world-wide including 10 in the United States. If you are a polished professional with the skills described, demonstrating dependability and long tenure in your previous roles, as well as a willingness to work well with a positive attitude, we encourage you to apply for this role within this highly reputable firm.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES:
Client Account Specialist

• Establishing, fostering, and maintaining professional and collaborative relationships with attorneys, staff, and clients to ensure compliance with both attorney and client specifications, managing all billing and collections processes from engagement to collections with tact, diplomacy, and effective negotiation skills.
• Primarily handling complex billing arrangements which may include client-level billing and collections.
• Training and mentoring billing specialists.
• Verifying rates with the rate analysts, reviewing, and implementing the outside counsel guidelines, monitors fee caps, tier discounts, and matter budgets; setting up and monitoring alerts; communicating with the firm's Billing & Intake Committee regarding discounts, write-downs, and write-offs.
• Managing the prebill to the final bill process; ensuring that billing attorneys receive accurate prebills and that they return their prebills in a timely manner; submitting finalized bills/eBills in appropriate template format, adhering to the attorney and client specifications; and confirming the final bills have been submitted to the client and are posted in the accounting system.
• Collaborating with the eBilling Coordinators for new client account set-ups with eBilling requirements; collaborating with Accounting Systems Administrator to update appropriate fields according to client billing guidelines; submitting invoices electronically, taking accountability for successful submission, and troubleshooting issues; and proactively following-up regarding acceptance and timely payment of eBills.
• Communicating directly with clients as requested or as established, including following-up on collections and contacting clients as needed. Concisely communicating arrangements with attorneys and clients on their matters; providing clients with requested information on any special billing and or collection arrangements. Responding to all inquiries relating to same.
• Responding to inquiries relating to accruals, audits, and payment reports; recommending solutions based on billing trends relating to realization; and preparing ad hoc reports upon request.
• Preparing effective monthly billing and collections forecasts for assigned portfolio(s). Maintaining updated pre-bill status report and collection projection tools; monitoring billing and collection numbers daily.
• Monitoring the unapplied cash report and offering resolutions when applicable and assisting Accounts Receivable with accurate payment applications. Keeping partners updated on available, unapplied and trust funds and applies funds when needed.
• Establishing effective back-up support processes (cross-training and knowledge transfer) to ensure seamless support for all portfolio matters.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance or business discipline preferred or equivalent experience.
• Prior law firm billing experience required.
• Experience with Financial Management Systems software.
• Related experience performing complex accounting analysis utilizing advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• High level of business acumen and ability to multi-task.
• Ability to assess pertinent information and anticipate needs and outcomes.
• Ability to prepare accurate, highly detailed work product and prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Talent for delivering exceptional client service through teamwork and an ability to work independently.
• Ability to exchange information and to present ideas, report facts and other information clearly and concisely.
• Strong initiative to proactively increase value to the position.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Possess reliability, dependability, and motivation.
• Excellent organization and communications skills, both oral and written.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed.

• This position routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptops, computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets, in a home office as well as an in-person office environment.
• Ability to lift/move up to 20 pounds.
• This position is generally performed in a professional office setting; 70% sitting, 20% standing, and 10% walking.
• The physical requirements described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with a qualifying disability to perform the essential functions.