Client Account Specialist

Hanson Bridgett LLP; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanson Bridgett LLP is seeking an experienced Client Account Specialist to join our Billing and Accounts Receivable team. You will manage an assigned portfolio of client accounts, monitor aging balances, and collaborate with billing attorneys to develop collection strategies.

The ideal candidate brings 5–7 years of law firm collections experience, proficiency with Aderant, and strong Excel skills, delivering professional client service while upholding firm policies.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of collections and accounts receivable experience in law firm or professional services.
• Knowledge of hourly billing, retainers, trust accounts, and matter-level billing.
• Experience working with attorneys and clients on collections with tact and professionalism.
• Proficiency with legal billing software; Aderant or similar platforms preferred.
• Strong analytical skills with AR aging reports and collections tracking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with client service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of client accounts across multiple practice groups, monitoring aging balances and following up on invoices.
• Serve as the primary collections contact for billing attorneys, developing and executing account-specific collections strategies while preserving client relationships.
• Conduct professional outreach to clients regarding past due balances, payment arrangements, and disputes per firm standards.
• Document and monitor payment plans in accordance with firm policy and attorney guidance.
• Send timely acknowledgment letters upon receipt of funds and meet deadlines.
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies, billing disputes, and unapplied cash in the billing system.
• Generate AR aging reports, collections activity summaries, and account status updates for leadership.
• Maintain up-to-date collection notes and documentation in the billing platform.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with attorneys, secretaries, and finance staff to resolve issues promptly.

Skills

Collections

Law firm billing

Aderant

Excel

Communication

Organization

Attention to detail

Independence

Client relations

Education

Accounting/Finance/Business degree

Tools

Aderant

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Hanson Bridgett LLP is seeking an experienced Client Account Specialist to join our Billing and Accounts Receivable team. This is a key role within the firm's finance operations, responsible for managing collections activity and client account relationships across a portfolio of legal matters. The ideal candidate has direct law firm billing and collections experience, understands the nuances of working with attorneys and their clients on financial matters, and brings a professional, diplomatic approach to every interaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of client accounts across multiple practice groups, monitoring aging balances and proactively following up on outstanding legal invoices
• Serve as the primary collections contact for billing attorneys, collaborating closely to develop and execute account specific collections strategies while preserving client relationships
• Conduct professional and diplomatic outreach to clients and responsible parties regarding past due balances, payment arrangements, and invoice disputes in a manner consistent with the firm's client service standards
• Document and monitor payment plans and arrangements in accordance with firm policy and attorney guidance
• Send timely acknowledgment letters to senders upon receipt of funds, meeting established firm deadlines
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies, billing disputes, and unapplied cash in the firm's billing system
• Generate AR aging reports, collections activity summaries, and account status updates for the Director of Billing and AR and firm management
• Maintain thorough, up to date collection notes and account documentation within the firm's legal billing platform
• Collaborate cross functionally with attorneys, legal secretaries, practice group administrators, and finance colleagues to resolve account issues promptly and professionally

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 to 7 years of collections and accounts receivable experience; law firm or professional services firm experience is required
• Demonstrated understanding of legal billing practices, including hourly billing, contingency matters, retainers, trust accounts, and matter level billing structures
• Experience working directly with attorneys and clients on collections matters, with the ability to navigate those conversations with professionalism and tact
• Proficiency with legal billing software required; experience with Aderant or similar platforms strongly preferred
• Familiarity with legal invoice formats, billing guidelines, and client outside counsel guidelines (OCGs) is a plus
• Strong analytical skills with experience working in AR aging reports and collections tracking tools
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a client service orientation
• High degree of organization, accuracy, and attention to detail in a fast paced, deadline driven environment
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment while managing a high-volume portfolio
• Associates or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field preferred

Compensation

Salary range: $80,000 to $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Hanson Bridgett offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and paid time off.