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 be work‑shcedule hybrid (Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Seattle) or 100% virtual/remote in an approved Pacific‑Time U.S. state.

The Client Account Specialist manages account set‑up, billing, and collection arrangements, inventory management, and supports the billing team in training and mentoring. The role collaborates with attorneys and staff throughout the full cycle of client invoicing and collections, and works closely with management on team development.

• Establish, foster, and maintain professional relationships with attorneys, staff, and clients.
• Manage all billing and collections processes from engagement to collections with tact, diplomacy, and effective negotiation skills.
• Handle complex billing arrangements, including client‑level billing and collections.
• Train and mentor billing specialists.
• Verify rates, implement out‑of‑office counsel guidelines, monitor fee caps, tier discounts, and matter budgets; set up and monitor alerts and communicate with the firm’s Billing & Intake Committee regarding discounts, write‑downs, and write‑offs.
• Manage the pre‑bill to final bill process; ensure accurate prebills, timely returns, submit final eBills in the appropriate format, and confirm bills have been posted in the accounting system.
• Collaborate with eBilling Coordinators for new client account set‑ups and with Accounting Systems Administrator to update fields per client billing guidelines; submit invoices electronically, troubleshoot submission issues, and follow up on eBill acceptance and payment.
• Communicate directly with clients as requested or as established, follow up on collections, contact clients as needed, and provide clients with requested information on special billing or collection arrangements.
• Respond to inquiries relating to accruals, audits, and payment reports; recommend solutions based on billing trends and prepare ad‑hoc reports.
• Prepare monthly billing and collections forecasts for assigned portfolios; maintain up‑to‑date pre‑bill status reports and collection projection tools; monitor billing and collection numbers daily.
• Monitor the unapplied cash report, offer resolutions, and assist Accounts Receivable with payment applications. Keep partners updated on available 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.
• Strong accounting analysis skills with advanced Excel and reporting proficiency.
• High level of business acumen and the ability to multi‑task.
• Ability to assess pertinent information and anticipate needs and outcomes.
• Ability to prepare accurate, highly detailed work product and manage time effectively.
• Talent for delivering exceptional client service through teamwork and independent work.
• Ability to exchange information and present ideas, 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.
• Reliability, dependability, and motivation.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, both oral and written.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed.

The anticipated base salary for this position is $76,440–$95,000, dependent on qualifications, experience, education, licenses, and location. For benefits information, please visit Arnold & Porter Benefits. As a nonexempt position, overtime is eligible. The firm may provide a discretionary annual bonus.

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Other
• Law Practice