Client Accounting Specialist

Fenwick & West LLP; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 107,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Life Insurance

Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts

Well-Being plans

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

Fenwick & West LLP in Palo Alto is seeking a Client Accounting Specialist responsible for managing financial aspects of client portfolios. This role ensures adherence to billing guidelines and works closely with the finance team. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, with a 40-hour week, Monday to Friday.

Candidates should have 5+ years of legal billing experience, proficiency in automated systems like Aderant, and strong organizational skills. The position includes a competitive salary range of $76,000–$107,500 and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of legal billing experience with automated billing systems.
• Experience with Aderant and other automated accounting systems.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Review client and matter set up to ensure adherence.
• Produce, review, and distribute prebills monthly.
• Manage attorney and client deadlines.

Skills

Legal billing experience

Automated billing systems

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication

Teamwork skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Aderant

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description Summary

Fenwick is seeking a Client Accounting Specialist who will be responsible for all financial aspects of managing the assigned partners’ portfolio of clients, performed in accordance with departmental standards. The role works closely with the finance management team and integrates best practices to deliver best‑in‑class service internally to partners and externally to clients. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement allowing you to work both from home and at a designated Fenwick office. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, 9am‑6pm (non‑exempt).

Responsibilities

Review client and matter set up (including rates, discounts, invoice formats, deferrals, etc.) to ensure adherence to engagement letters, billing guidelines, and attorney preferences.
Maintain documentation of all non‑standard billing requirements and update the Client and Matter Billing Instructions in Aderant and CET database.
Monitor work in progress to ensure all matters are billed per approved agreement and schedule.
Produce, review and distribute prebills monthly and as needed.
Perform billing functions (edits, write‑downs, transfers, discounts).
Audit edits for accuracy before posting.
Ensure invoices are mailed or delivered timely.
Manage attorney and client deadlines, estimate due dates for monthly accruals, closures, and billing.
Meet with billing attorneys to discuss new clients, special arrangements, aged WIP, and accounts receivable issues.
Monitor accounts receivable balances and enforce collection policies, escalating issues as needed.
Maintain regular client contact for follow‑ups and dispute resolution.
Negotiate payment arrangements and schedules with partners.
Use Aderant, ARCS, EIS, and other reports for collections and reporting.
Work with Cash Receipts staff to resolve misapplied payments.
Prepare write‑off/write‑down requests and obtain approvals.
Assist attorneys, secretaries, and clients with billing/collections related questions.
Maintain client files in iManage, monitor billing hotline, and follow DTE alias rotations.
Contribute process and client support enhancements.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of legal billing experience with automated billing systems.
• Experience with Aderant (formerly CMS) and other automated accounting systems.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Ability to handle complex accounts with limited assistance.
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Judgment to assess courses of action and impact.
• Effective verbal and written communication with attorneys, staff, and clients.
• Adaptable to business changes and fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Benefits & Compensation

The anticipated range for this position is $76,000–$107,500, depending on qualifications, experience, education, certifications, and location. Eligibility for a discretionary bonus based on performance. Comprehensive benefit programs include Healthcare, Life Insurance, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, and Well‑Being plans. Temporary employees are generally not entitled to benefits unless otherwise required by law.

Fenwick & West LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and conducts all employment‑related activities without regard to race, religion, color, marital status, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, please contact [e-mail].