Collections Manager

Collections Manager (Legal Industry Required)

The Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the firm’s end-to-end collections function, including day-to-day operations, accounts receivable management, and cash application oversight. This role ensures the timely collection of outstanding receivables, effective execution of collection strategies, and strict adherence to client billing terms, outside counsel guidelines, and internal policies.

This position works closely with senior finance leadership and partners with attorneys, Billing, Revenue Management, E-Billing, and Client Operations teams to improve cash flow, reduce aged receivables, resolve disputes, and support overall financial performance. The role may either directly manage a team (including Supervisors and Collectors) or operate as a standalone function, depending on structure.

Key Responsibilities

Collections Operations & Strategy

• Oversee daily collections activity across assigned portfolios, ensuring consistent and timely follow-up on outstanding accounts
• Proactively monitor aged receivables, identify at-risk balances, and implement targeted collection strategies
• Maintain disciplined call cycles, follow-up cadence, and accurate documentation of collection efforts
• Manage and resolve complex, sensitive, or escalated collection matters, including negotiation of payment arrangements and settlements
• Ensure compliance with client billing terms, outside counsel guidelines, and firm policies

Accounts Receivable & Cash Management

• Oversee AR operations, including cash application, reconciliation, and integrity of receivable balances
• Monitor and analyze aging, unapplied cash, dispute status, and payment trends to drive resolution
• Serve as a key escalation point for AR discrepancies, billing issues, and collection challenges
• Support accurate revenue projections and identify potential risks to monthly cash collections

Reporting, Analytics & Forecasting

• Develop and maintain detailed collections forecasts and monthly cash projections
• Analyze AR data to identify trends, performance gaps, and opportunities to improve realization
• Prepare and present clear reporting to senior leadership on collections progress, risks, and results
• Evaluate write-offs, reserves, and overall impact of receivables on financial performance

Leadership & Cross-Functional Partnership

• Manage, mentor, and develop Collections staff where applicable, including performance oversight and coaching
• Partner closely with attorneys and partners to review receivables, align on collection strategies, and drive accountability
• Coordinate regularly with Billing, E-Billing, and Finance teams to resolve invoicing issues impacting collections
• Facilitate recurring meetings with stakeholders to review AR aging, inventory, and collection priorities

Process Improvement & Controls

• Identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements to enhance collections performance and reduce cycle times
• Ensure consistent documentation and adherence to internal controls, audit requirements, and compliance standards
• Contribute to system enhancements, reporting improvements, and broader finance initiatives
• Continuously evaluate and improve collection methodologies using data-driven insights

Qualifications

• Mandatory: 5–7+ years of collections experience within a law firm environment (candidates outside of the legal industry will not be considered)
• Strong understanding of legal billing processes, including complex client arrangements, e-billing systems, and outside counsel guidelines
• Proven ability to manage and reduce aged receivables while maintaining strong relationships with attorneys and clients
• Experience handling high-volume portfolios and time-sensitive collections in a deadline-driven setting
• Prior leadership experience managing teams or supervising collectors is preferred
• Proficiency with legal financial systems (such as Elite 3E, Aderant, or similar) and strong Excel skills (including data analysis functions)
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and organizational skills
• Ability to interpret financial data and present actionable insights to leadership

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred