Accounts Receivable Specialist

Sidley Austin LLP; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sidley Austin LLP is seeking an Accounts Receivable Specialist to support partners with collection efforts across a large portfolio and local office AR accounts. The role involves extensive client contact through calls, emails, and letters to collect past due invoices, negotiate payment plans, and document progress.

The position requires strong MS Word/Excel skills, experience in law firm billing or corporate collections, and the ability to handle multiple priorities in a hybrid work

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered.
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• Experience in law firm collections or billing
• Professional service firm experience in collections or billing
• Demonstrated ability and familiarity with using electronic billing vendor websites
• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Responsibilities

• Handle a significant portfolio of Firmwide Client Collection responsibilities in addition to the AR portfolio of the local office.
• Review and analyze accounts receivable aging.
• Understand and follow the electronic billing life cycle process in order to take the appropriate actions to resolve accounts receivable.
• Contact clients via frequent phone calls, emails, and formal letters to follow-up on status of unpaid invoices.
• Negotiate, document, and arrange payment schedules.
• Use Firm’s collection system on a daily basis to identify collection follow-ups and to document collection statuses Assist with special projects, including creating, formatting, and editing Excel spreadsheets.
• Type statements and correspondences, including the preparation of charts and tables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Excellent written and verbal comms

Analytical and problem-solving

Time management

Confidentiality and discretion

Teamwork and collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Summary

The Accounts Receivable Specialist assists the Firm's partners with the collection of past due accounts receivable. This position requires extensive contact with both partners and clients and works closely with Accounts Receivable Managers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Handle a significant portfolio of Firmwide Client Collection responsibilities in addition to the AR portfolio of the local office.
• Review and analyze accounts receivable aging.
• Understand and follow the electronic billing life cycle process in order to take the appropriate actions to resolve accounts receivable.
• Contact clients via frequent phone calls, emails, and formal letters to follow-up on status of unpaid invoices.
• Negotiate, document, and arrange payment schedules.
• Use Firm’s collection system on a daily basis to identify collection follow-ups and to document collection statuses Assist with special projects, including creating, formatting, and editing Excel spreadsheets.
• Type statements and correspondences, including the preparation of charts and tables.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

Target Salary Range

$62,600 – $80,000 if located in Illinois

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [e-mail](current employees should contact Human Resources).

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

Preferred:

• Experience in law firm collections or billing
• Professional service firm experience in collections or billing
• Demonstrated ability and familiarity with using electronic billing vendor websites.

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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