Client Accounts Administrator - ET

DLA Piper is, at its core, bold, exceptional, collaborative and supportive.  Our people are the backbone, heart and soul of our firm.  Wherever you are in your professional journey, DLA Piper is a place you can engage in meaningful work and grow your career.  Let’s see what we can achieve. Together.

Summary

The Client Accounts Administrator, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, is expected to successfully manage the firm’s top-tier billing portfolios based on defined support models to include highest volumes and fees for institutional, high-profile clients and attorneys. Serves as proxy for regional supervisors as needed and is considered a subject-matter expert in the field of billing. Represents the department by participating in client meetings and across groups and sets and drives agendas impacting billing practices and processes. Works with a team of support specialists within both Legal Support Services and Accounting teams to provide effective, streamlined billing and client account services to attorneys of the firm. Responsible for handling the most complex domestic and global billing clients. Edits, proofreads, finalizes, and submits invoices to clients on a monthly billing cycle. Researches client billing data and provides detailed analysis to attorneys and support staff. As part of the team, provides and ensures a cohesive, full-cycle billing support solution to billing attorneys with complex domestic and international billing books. Provides training and mentoring to other staff members on all billing procedures.

Location

This position can sit in our New York, Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Miami, Northern Virginia, Philadelphia, Raleigh, Short Hills, Washington, DC, or Wilmington office and offers a hybrid work schedule.
 
Responsibilities

• US Clients

  • Expected to manage complex billing in terms of volumes, global clients, and electronic billing assignments.

  • Performs a variety of duties to support the full billing cycle to include reviewing and editing prebills, seeking requisite approvals for deferrals, write-offs and time transfers.

  • Fields billing inquiries. Tracks and resolves tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk on a daily basis. Meets SLA requirements for response and resolution.

  • High level of proficiency in BillBlast and key electronic billing vendor sites, quality assurance prior to client invoice finalization, and root-cause analysis for electronic bill rejection. Pursues root-cause rejection resolution.

  • Maintains an accurate description of all client billing requirements which may also include guidelines established by the client’s general counsel. Updates and tracks changes to the requirements as necessary. Able to summarize and communicate with key stakeholders.

  • Responsible for obtaining complex monthly reporting that may require collaboration with other teams. Reviews data for accuracy prior to submitting.

  • Gathers and submits accrual information based on client requirements.

  • Finalizes invoices and submits directly to the client (per policy) or provides to attorneys for transmission to the client (per approved exceptions to policy). Includes other billing information as needed.

  • Submits finalized invoices electronically based on client requirements.

  • Continuously strives to improve client service and deliverables. Utilizes knowledge of the legal industry to deliver appropriate solutions to the client.

  • Shares expertise and knowledge to support team member development. Effectively engages with all team members.

  • Able to proxy for or with managers when additional team support is required.

  • Drives improvements through collaboration with other departments.

  • Engages appropriate tools and resources provided to effectively deliver assignments and meet deadlines. Manages time efficiently.

  • Other duties as assigned.
               

• Global Clients

  • Coordinates and leads global client unified billing. This includes managing global client account assignments and performing all full-cycle billing functions associated with both the firm’s and the client’s billing requirements.

  • Responsible for obtaining complex monthly reporting that may require collaboration with other teams. Reviews data for accuracy prior to submitting.

  • Liaises directly, or via assigned team support, with international counterparts to obtain accurate accrual and forecasting information for monthly client reporting.

  • Keeps U.S. Billing Timekeeper informed and follows up with international counterparts as required to ensure that engaged locations stay within budget and issues invoices timely. Initiates troubleshooting issues with finance counterparts as needed.

  • Tracks and resolves tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk on a daily basis.

  • Generates global client LEDES files for electronic billing based on client requirements.
     

Desired Skills   

Strong communication and interpersonal skills required to interact with staff and timekeepers. Must be team-oriented and have ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Must be an accurate proofreader and have strong attention to detail. Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex problems required. Must have proven analytical skills. Has ability to work independently and is able to take direction well.
Minimum Education            

• High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or similar field highly preferred.
   

Minimum Years of Experience  

• 5 years’ experience successfully managing high volume billing portfolios in a fast-paced environment. Must have an expert level of knowledge and experience with direct billing or client accounts (to include domestic, global and e-Billing) for a law or professional services organization required. Experience as a team lead preferred. Is considered a subject-matter expert. Strong computer skills including advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting system, such as Aderant. Requires proficiency in e-billing applications, such as Bill Blast or e-Billing Hub.

Essential Job Expectations

All DLA Piper employees are expected to demonstrate excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people, upholding our firm values as part of our culture. Specific expectations include:
 

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and external audiences.

• Produce high-quality work and respond to correspondence in an efficient, timely, and professional manner.

• Meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and commit to meeting high standards.

• Comply with firm policies and procedures.

• Maintain confidences as required in a law firm environment.
   

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: This is primarily sedentary work, requiring occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or move objects. The role involves sitting for extended periods, with occasional walking and standing, and occasional travel, both domestic and international.
 

Work Environment   

The individual selected for this position may have the opportunity for a hybrid work arrangement combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at the time of hiring and may be modified at the firm's discretion.
 

Disclaimer   

The purpose of this job description is to provide a concise statement of the work elements and to organize and present the information in a standardized way. It is not intended to describe all the elements of the work that may be performed by every individual in this classification, nor should it serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions and actions. The job duties, requirements, and expectations for this position may be modified at the Firm’s discretion at any time. This job description does not change the at-will nature of employment.
 

Application Process    

Interested candidates must apply directly online. Application materials sent via email will not be accepted.
 

Accommodation   

Reasonable accommodations may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position or participate in the selection process. For accommodation requests, please contact [email protected].
 

Agency applications will not be considered.
 

No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.
 

This job description provides a concise overview of the role and is not intended to describe all work elements that may be performed. It should not serve as the sole criteria for personnel decisions. Job duties, requirements, and expectations may be modified at the firm's discretion at any time. This job description does not alter the at-will nature of employment.
 

We are committed to excellence in how we serve our clients and develop our people.
The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $41.20 - $62.78 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.
 

The compensation offered for employment will also be dependent on other factors including the candidate’s experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. We offer a comprehensive package of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).
Applicants who are not based in the jurisdiction in which this position is posted and who apply for this role are doing so voluntarily and are not eligible for relocation assistance. Any relocation benefits, if any, are provided only where a relocation is required at the firm’s direction and in accordance with applicable policy and law. 
 

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DLA Piper is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Job applicant poster viewing center.