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. The position also provides training and mentoring to other staff members on billing procedures.

Responsibilities

US Clients

• Performs duties supporting the full billing cycle, including reviewing and editing proformas, seeking approvals for deferrals, write-offs, and time transfers.
• Fields billing inquiries and creates complex monthly reporting, ensuring data accuracy before submission.
• Gathers and submits accrual information based on client requirements.
• Researches and resolves electronic billing rejections.
• Maintains accurate descriptions 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 invoices and submits them directly to clients or provides them to attorneys for transmission.
• 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 junior Specialists.

Global Clients

• Coordinates and leads global client unified billing, managing account assignments and performing full-cycle billing functions.
• Creates and maintains complex monthly reporting, ensuring data accuracy before submission.
• Liaises with international attorneys and finance counterparts to obtain accurate accrual and forecasting information.
• Follows up with international counterparts to ensure timely invoicing and budget compliance, troubleshooting 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.

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 complex billing responsibilities 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.

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 and ability to work independently while taking direction well.

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 hourly 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

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and a 401(k) plan.

Essential Job Expectations

• Demonstrate excellence in serving clients and developing people, upholding firm values.
• Communicate effectively 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. It includes extended periods of sitting, with occasional walking and standing, and may involve domestic or international travel.