Sr Client Accounts Specialist

DLA Piper is a bold, exceptional, collaborative, and supportive firm where our people are the backbone, heart, and soul. This is a place to engage in meaningful work and grow your career at any stage of your professional journey.

About the role

The Senior Client Accounts Specialist supports the firm’s strategic initiatives by working with a team of specialists within Legal Support Services and Accounting to provide streamlined billing and client account services. This role handles the most complex domestic and global billing clients, edits and finalizes invoices, researches billing data, and ensures cohesive full-cycle billing support for attorneys with complex billing needs. The position also provides training and mentoring to other staff members on billing procedures.

Responsibilities

US Clients

• Performs full-cycle billing duties, including reviewing and editing proformas, seeking approvals for deferrals, write-offs, and time transfers.
• Fields billing inquiries from attorneys and clients.
• Creates and maintains complex monthly reporting; reviews data for accuracy prior to submission.
• Gathers and submits accrual information based on client requirements.
• Researches and resolves electronic billing rejections.
• Maintains accurate records of client billing requirements, including guidelines from the client’s general counsel, and updates them as needed.
• Tracks and resolves tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk daily.
• Finalizes and submits invoices directly to clients or provides them to attorneys for transmission, including additional billing information as required.
• Provides support, guidance, mentoring, and training to staff as needed.
• Submits finalized invoices electronically based on client requirements.
• Serves as a point of escalation for more junior Specialists.

Global Clients

• Coordinates and leads global client unified billing, managing account assignments and performing full-cycle billing functions for both firm and client requirements.
• Creates and maintains complex monthly reporting; reviews data for accuracy prior to submission.
• Liaises with international attorneys and finance counterparts to obtain accurate accrual and forecasting information for monthly client reporting.
• Follows up with international counterparts to ensure timely invoicing and budget compliance; troubleshoots issues as needed.
• Tracks and resolves tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk daily.
• Generates global client LEDES files for electronic billing based on client requirements.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for interacting with staff and timekeepers.
• Team-oriented with the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent proofreading skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex problems.
• Proven analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and take direction effectively.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a similar field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years’ direct billing or client accounts experience in a law or professional services organization, including domestic, global, and e-Billing.
• Experience as a team lead or with responsibility for complex billing (preferred).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting systems such as Elite and/or Aderant.
• Proficiency in e-billing applications such as eHub or Bill Blast.

Location

This hybrid position is available in our Chicago, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Palo Alto, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, or Seattle office.

Pay

The expected hiring range for this position is $36.79 - $58.49 per hour, depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions are paid on an hourly basis with overtime in accordance with applicable laws. Compensation will also depend on the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications.

Benefits

DLA Piper offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Essential Job Expectations

• Demonstrate excellence in serving clients and developing people, upholding the firm’s values.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.
• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence efficiently and professionally.
• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to high standards.
• Comply with firm policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality as required in a law firm environment.

Physical Demands

This role involves primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. It includes extended periods of sitting, with occasional walking and standing, and may involve domestic or international travel.