Senior Client Account Specialist

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our firm and communities better.

About the role

This position may be filled remotely or in any of our office locations. The Senior Client Account Specialist ensures the firm receives timely payments from debtors by monitoring accounts, contacting clients with overdue balances, negotiating payment plans, and documenting collection efforts. You’ll serve as a liaison between the firm and its clients, helping maintain financial stability.

Responsibilities

• Regularly review the firm’s accounts receivable to identify overdue accounts.
• Keep track of outstanding debts and prioritize collection efforts.
• Ensure firm commitments are adhered to regarding billing, providing direct contact and follow-up with each partner and client as assigned to ensure timely billing and collections.
• Contact clients with overdue accounts via phone, email, or written correspondence.
• Communicate professionally and empathetically, maintaining positive relationships while addressing payment issues.
• Address client inquiries and complaints related to billing and outstanding balances.
• Work collaboratively with clients to find mutually beneficial solutions.
• Attempt to collect overdue amounts directly from clients.
• Negotiate payment plans or settlements to facilitate debt recovery.
• Generate monthly client reminder statements, making any necessary revisions.
• Prepare bankruptcy claims, research, and submit claims for unclaimed property.
• Propose, set up, and maintain promissory notes/personal guarantees to ensure client compliance and assist in obtaining and interpreting credit reports.
• Prepare final demand letters for management’s signature to send to clients following approval by the Firm’s General Counsel’s office.
• Recommend proposed transfers of accounts to the Firm’s collections attorney, including preparing the placement letter for management signature and gathering all collection activities, client details, and pertinent documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of all communication with delinquent account holders, including date, time, name, title, and details of conversation/email.
• Document payment arrangements, promises to pay, and any other relevant details.
• Provide consistent updates and correct client collections contact information to the business intake and client data teams.
• Identify, research, and propose solutions to issues affecting the Firm’s ability to properly invoice clients or the client’s ability to timely pay invoices.
• Prepare regular reports on the status of unpaid accounts and progress in debt recovery.
• Keep the firm informed about collection activities and trends.
• Update management of any potential collection issues requiring escalation and provide recommendations for resolution.
• Provide timely submissions of recommended proposed write-offs accompanied by required supporting information and appropriate coding.
• Prepare, review, and distribute monthly reports for delinquent AR and WIP to partners.
• Provide reports reflecting AR analyses, aged WIP, DSO, potential and existing AR and WIP reserves, agreed-upon metrics, and key performance indicators.
• Confer with billing partners to determine reasons for aged AR & WIP and present strategies to obtain payment and ensure timely billing of WIP.
• Ensure the firm is in compliance with the terms of service, client’s outside counsel guidelines, or any existing agreements in effect with respect to the client and/or matter.
• Provide accrual information to partners or clients as assigned or requested.
• Act as a resource to partners and clients to resolve any issues hindering payment to the Firm or the billing of WIP.
• Collaborate with internal departments as required related to the team’s projects, issues, and concerns.
• Support and train Client Account Specialists on processes and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 4-year degree preferred, or a combination of education and commensurate work experience.
• 5 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ARCS Collections Software, and Elite.
• High level of detail-orientation and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong financial, business, analytical, and accounting acumen.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines with shifting priorities, and act as a self-starter with initiative.
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
• Solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of the firm and outside vendors.

Pay

The expected compensation ranges for this position in various states and jurisdictions are as follows:

• State of California: $63,000 - $128,000
• State of Colorado: $58,000 - $103,000
• State of Illinois: $57,000 - $110,000
• State of Maine: $43,000 - $98,000
• State of Maryland: $61,000 - $92,000
• State of Massachusetts: $63,000 - $120,000
• State of Minnesota: $63,000 - $104,000
• Jersey City, NJ: $68,000 - $123,000
• State of New York: $58,000 - $126,000
• State of Vermont: $62,000 - $119,000
• State of Virginia: $41,000 - $119,000
• State of Washington: $61,000 - $115,000
• Washington, D.C.: $81,000 - $119,000

The above salaries do not include a discretionary bonus; bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed and dependent upon individual and firm performance.

Benefits

Full-time employees receive the following benefits:

• Medical and dental coverage
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses
• Employee assistance program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements