Sr Client Accounts Specialist - Pacific Time at DLA Piper in Houston, Texas

Senior 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.

Summary 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.

Location 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

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.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 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 having responsibility for complex billing preferred. Strong computer skills including advanced proficiency in Excel and accounting systems such as Elite and/or Aderant. Requires proficiency in e-billing applications such as eHub or Bill Blast.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Agency applications will not be considered. No immigration sponsorship is available for this position.

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 $36.79 - $58.49 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.

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.