Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
Billing and Accounting Manager (Legal)
Katten is a firm of first choice for clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services in the United States and abroad. Our nationally recognized practices include corporate, financial services, litigation, real estate, environmental, commercial finance, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, and trusts and estates. Our more than 650 attorneys serve public and private companies, including a third of the Fortune 100, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. We provide full-service legal advice from locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai.
Billing and Accounting Manager
SUMMARY
The Billing and Accounting Manager will exercise discretion and independent judgment while working under the general direction of the National Director of Billing and Financial Systems and according to established Firm policies and procedures. The Billing and Accounting Manager is responsible for management of the billing and accounting processes specific to the California offices, by performing essential duties personally or through delegation/supervision of subordinates, maintaining professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES include, but may not be limited to the following. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned.
Supervise billing and accounting procedures, facilitating new processes, as well as, suggesting new procedures ongoing as needed to increase efficiency and provide training with respect to current and/or newly implemented software systems and/or policies.
Manage the billing process from inception of billing cycle (printing and distribution of pre-bills) through finalization and delivery (to client/e-vendors) of invoices.
Work with other Billing Managers in rate research and implementation, in both the financial system and the clients' e-billing vendor systems, to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Update and maintain innovative knowledge of e-billing procedures especially with respect to implementation of and requirements for approval of new timekeepers, unique client rate structures and discount agreements, alternative fee arrangements, credit programs, specific cash applications, client billing guidelines, and reporting mechanisms.
Work with the conflicts team, pricing team and the other Billing Managers to manage the new client set up process developing processes and procedures to ensure the necessary information in engagement letters and outside counsel guidelines flow through to the time entry and billing modules. This will require strong team work skills.
Master financial systems (general ledger, time entry, billing/accounting/reporting software) to:
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct supervisory functions and responsibilities include implementation of Firm policies and applicable laws; interviewing and making recommendations for hiring, promotion, compensation and termination; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems with respect to the California Billing and Accounting staff.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent and twelve (12) or more years related experience, with at least five (5) years of experience at a management level, preferably in a legal or professional services firm; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong supervisory experience and knowledge of the accounting and billing processes and reporting requirements used by a large national law firm are preferred.
Computer proficient with extensive knowledge and understanding of database systems (Aderant-CMS) MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and Outlook preferred. Strong MS Excel skills essential as well as extensive knowledge of e-Billing processes with e-Billing Hub and client e-billing vendor system experience.
Ability to assess current processes and identify, implement and manage process improvements recommendations.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills in order to interact and communicate with subordinates, provide instruction/direction/training, determine work priorities and coordinate the activities of a work team.
Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts acting as their liaison to the Finance department and their trusted advisor on all billing procedures.
Possess a strong customer service mentality for both internal and external clients.
Analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic with comprehensive knowledge of billing and accounting principles and practices in order to perform complex mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, verifying numerical data, preparing various billing reports, providing back-up assistance and support in performing all aspects of accounting operations, and participating in preparation of the budget.
Exhibit high degree of initiative in exercising independent judgment and making decisions in order to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment in addition to possessing a strong desire and capability to share your knowledge and experience with your team aiding in their professional growth.
Ability to work overtime as needed in order to meet deadlines.
Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is characteristic of a normal office environment with moderate exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, and requirements. This position description may be modified in the future as necessary.
Katten will consider for employment qualified Applicants with Criminal Histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Article 9 to Chapter XVIII of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.
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