Client Account Specialist

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The Finance and Accounting Department of Arnold & Porter has an opening for a Client Account Specialist. The position may work a hybrid schedule in our Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle office, or 100% virtual/remote in a firm-approved U.S. state during Pacific Time hours.

• Establish, foster, and maintain professional and collaborative relationships with attorneys, staff, and clients to ensure compliance with attorney and client specifications, managing all billing and collections processes from engagement to collections with tact, diplomacy, and effective negotiation skills.
• Primarily handle complex billing arrangements which may include client‑level billing and collections.
• Train and mentor billing specialists.
• Verify rates with the rate analysts, review and implement outside counsel guidelines, monitor fee caps, tier discounts, and matter budgets; set up and monitor alerts; communicate with the firm’s Billing & Intake Committee regarding discounts, write‑downs, and write‑offs.
• Manage the pre‑bill to the final bill process; ensure that billing attorneys receive accurate prebills and return them in a timely manner; submit finalized bills/eBills in the appropriate template format, adhering to the attorney and client specifications; confirm the final bills have been submitted to the client and posted in the accounting system.
• Collaborate with the eBilling Coordinators for new client account set‑ups with eBilling requirements; work with the Accounting Systems Administrator to update appropriate fields according to client billing guidelines; submit invoices electronically, take accountability for successful submission, troubleshoot issues, and proactively follow up regarding acceptance and timely payment of eBills.
• Communicate directly with clients as requested or as established, including following up on collections and contacting clients as needed. Concisely communicate arrangements with attorneys and clients on their matters; provide clients with requested information on any special billing and/or collection arrangements; respond to all inquiries relating to these matters.
• Respond to inquiries relating to accruals, audits, and payment reports; recommend solutions based on billing trends relating to realization; prepare ad‑hoc reports upon request.
• Prepare effective monthly billing and collections forecasts for assigned portfolio(s). Maintain an updated pre‑bill status report and collection projection tools; monitor billing and collection numbers daily.
• Monitor the unapplied cash report, offer resolutions when applicable, and assist Accounts Receivable with accurate payment applications. Keep partners updated on available, unapplied, and trust funds and apply funds when needed.
• Establish effective back‑up support processes (cross‑training and knowledge transfer) to ensure seamless support for all portfolio matters.

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or business discipline preferred or equivalent experience.
• Prior law firm billing experience required.
• Experience with Financial Management Systems software.
• Related experience performing complex accounting analysis utilizing advanced Excel and reporting skills.
• High level of business acumen and ability to multi‑task.
• Ability to assess pertinent information and anticipate needs and outcomes.
• Ability to prepare accurate, highly detailed work product and prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Talent for delivering exceptional client service through teamwork and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to exchange information and present ideas, report facts, and other information clearly and concisely.
• Strong initiative to proactively increase value to the position.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Possess reliability, dependability, and motivation.
• Excellent organization and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $76,440 to $95,000. The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including qualifications, years of relevant experience, level of education, certifications or other professional licenses, and location.

For benefits information, please see:

This is a non‑exempt position and is eligible for overtime.

A discretionary annual bonus may be awarded.

• Entry Level

• Full‑time

• Other

• Law Practice