Sr Client Accounts Specialist

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.

The Senior Client Accounts Specialist, working in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, 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.

This position can sit in our Chicago, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Palo Alto, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, or Seattle office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

US Clients Performs a variety of duties to support the full billing cycle to reviewing and editing proformas, seeking requisite approvals for deferrals, write-offs and time transfers. Fields billing inquiries. Creates and maintains complex monthly reporting. Reviews data for accuracy prior to submitting. Gathers and submits accrual information based on client requirements. Researches and resolves electronic billing rejections. 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. Tracks and resolves tickets assigned by the Accounting Service Desk on a daily basis. 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. Provides support, guidance, mentoring and training to staff as needed.

Submits finalized invoices electronically based on client requirements. Serves as a point of escalation to more junior Specialists.

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. Creates and maintains complex monthly reporting. Reviews data for accuracy prior to submitting. Liaises with international attorneys and/or finance counterparts to obtain accurate accrual and forecasting information for monthly client reporting.

Follows-up frequently with international counterparts to ensure that engaged locations stay within budget and issues invoices timely. Troubleshoots 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. Other duties as assigned.

• 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.

High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or similar field.

• 5 years’ direct billing or client accounts experience (to include domestic, global and e-Billing) for a law or professional services organization required.
• Experience as a team lead or…