Client Account Manager

Client Account Manager

Department: Client Accounting

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: New York, NY

About the Opportunity

A leading global law firm is seeking an experienced Client Account Manager to lead and oversee the billing and collections strategy for assigned teams, practice groups, and offices.

This individual will collaborate closely with partners, practice group leaders, and cross-functional Finance teams, including Client Reporting, Strategic Pricing, Revenue Operations, E-Billing, and Client Profitability. The position will also manage and develop a team of Client Account Advisors, Coordinators, and Specialists.

The ideal candidate will bring significant law firm or professional-services billing experience, proven management capabilities, and a strong record of improving billing and collections processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the full billing and collections process, ensuring clients receive accurate and timely invoices and payments are collected according to agreed terms.
• Develop and execute billing and collections strategies for assigned practice groups and offices.
• Monitor monthly accounts receivable aging reports and take appropriate action to ensure invoices are paid on time and in full.
• Direct team follow-up on underpayments and assist with resolving outstanding payment issues.
• Conduct regular invoice audits to identify billing errors, process gaps, and employee training needs.
• Ensure partner requirements, client billing arrangements, collections procedures, and fee arrangements are properly documented.
• Identify opportunities to improve billing efficiency and accuracy and implement strategies to achieve those improvements.
• Review billing and collections data to identify trends, risks, and areas for improvement.
• Respond to billing and accounts receivable inquiries.
• Provide monthly updates on unbilled time and accounts receivable status, including reports, metrics, and presentations.
• Collaborate with Pricing, E-Billing, Reporting, Revenue Operations, and other Finance teams to support accurate invoices, client submission requirements, and financial reporting.
• Ensure the team updates financial reports accurately and on time, including projections and clear billing or accounts receivable commentary.
• Participate in office and practice group meetings to understand business strategies, priorities, challenges, and goals.
• Present financial reports and updates to key stakeholders as required.
• Follow up with partners and escalate billing or collections issues and delays when necessary.
• Build strong relationships across Finance, practice groups, and firm leadership.
• Develop and maintain billing policies and procedures that support internal standards, regulatory requirements, and client requirements.
• Provide training on billing best practices, software, reporting tools, and revenue-cycle procedures.
• Participate in technology testing and software reviews and assign team members to relevant projects when needed.
• Lead continuous process-improvement reviews designed to shorten the revenue cycle and improve reporting and matter-intake information.
• Support special projects as assigned.

Team Leadership

• Manage, train, develop, and support a team of Client Account Advisors, Coordinators, and Specialists.
• Ensure team members receive the training and professional development needed to respond effectively to partner and client requests.
• Identify individual and team development needs and provide appropriate coaching and support.
• Ensure proper team coverage during high-volume periods, including month-end and year-end.
• Promote collaboration and consistent processes across the Client Accounting function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of relevant billing and client relationship experience within a law firm or professional-services environment.
• At least 3 years of management experience .
• Demonstrated success implementing operational and procedural improvements.
• Strong understanding of billing, collections, accounts receivable, and revenue-cycle processes.
• Experience with Aderant is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word .
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends when necessary to meet business deadlines.

Critical Competencies

• Excellent written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with attorneys, senior leaders, Finance professionals, and other stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to investigate billing issues, discrepancies, and errors.
• Ability to work successfully in a collaborative, consensus-driven professional environment.
• Innovative and team-oriented approach, with a willingness to contribute ideas and assist wherever needed.
• Strong relationship-building and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to balance leadership responsibilities with hands-on involvement in complex billing and collections matters.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Lead a dedicated client accounting team.
• Partner directly with attorneys, practice group leaders, and senior Finance stakeholders.
• Take ownership of billing and collections strategy across assigned business areas.
• Drive meaningful revenue-cycle and process improvements.
• Contribute to technology, reporting, and operational enhancement initiatives within a sophisticated global professional-services environment.