Client Accounts Assistant

Chapman & Cutler; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman and Cutler LLP seeks a Client Accounts Assistant to join the Financial Management Department. The role supports billing and collections, ensuring accurate client account setup for billing, and collaborates with MBPs and senior specialists.

In-office presence with some remote work, the role emphasizes time management, attention to detail, and strong communication with lawyers and clients. The firm values process improvements and cross-team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required; degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of specialized experience in billing, collections, or account management
• Law firm or professional services experience preferred
• Hands-on experience performing complex accounting analyses
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Responsibilities

• Reviews rates and ensures fee arrangement aligns with client guidelines; monitors fee caps and budgets.
• Ensures MBPs receive accurate proforma documents and timely responses.
• Assists with time entry adjustments and transfers per governance policies.
• Maintains familiarity with e-billing platforms and electronic billing processes for inventory management.
• Monitors invoices for approval and follows up with clients on billing and collections.
• Communicates with clients and internal teams regarding accruals, billing, and payments; prepares ad hoc reports.

Skills

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Time management

Independent work

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Billing and collections knowledge

Client-service mindset

Education

Accounting/Finance/Business degree

Tools

Aderant

Microsoft Office

Job description

Chapman and Cutler LLP is seeking to hire a Client Accounts Assistant to join the Financial Management Department. The Client Accounts Assistant supports the Firm's billing and collections processes. Under the direction of the Client Accounts Manager and in close collaboration with the Senior Client Accounts Specialists, this role helps ensure accurate client account setup for billing, collection arrangements, and inventory management of client portfolios. In addition, the Client Accounts Assistant collaborates with legal teams, as directed, on invoicing and collections.

The position requires an in-office presence but includes flexibility for some remote work.

Responsibilities

• Reviews rates and ensures the fee arrangement aligns with the client's outside counsel guidelines; monitors fee caps, tier discounts, and matter budgets; and escalates potential issues (e.g., delayed billings, exceeding fee caps, etc.).
• Ensures Matter Billing Partners (MBPs) receive accurate proforma documents and submit responses in a timely manner.
• Ensures disbursements are properly documented and included on invoices and assists with time entry adjustments and time transfers in accordance with the Firm's governance policies and processes.
• Maintains familiarity with e-billing platforms and a solid understanding of electronic billing processes related to managing inventory, including:
  • Reviews and verifies billing data for accuracy and ensures compliance with client billing requirements.
  • Addresses routine e-billing discrepancies and escalates complex issues as appropriate.
• Monitors invoices for approval and/or payment and keeps senior team members updated.
• Communicates with and contacts clients as requested or as established, including following up on standard invoices and e-billing collections.
• Responds to inquiries relating to accruals, billing, and payment information as assigned; prepares ad hoc reports upon request.
• Assists with monthly billing and collections forecasts as needed.
• Participates in cross-training and knowledge-transfer initiatives to maintain knowledge of assigned matters and departmental processes.
• Develops and maintains professional, collaborative relationships with internal teams to ensure adherence to billing requirements and client guidelines.
• Engages in ongoing process improvement initiatives within their area of responsibility and the Client Accounts team.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required; degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business preferred
• Minimum of two (2) years of specialized experience in billing, collections, or account management
• Law firm or professional services experience preferred
• Experience with Aderant preferred
• Hands-on experience performing complex accounting analyses
• Strong attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong business acumen; ability to organize time, prioritize workload effectively, and work independently
• Demonstrated client-service mindset and ability to communicate effectively with lawyers, business professionals, and peers
• Experience working independently and within cross-functional teams in a collaborative, professional environment
• Ability to analyze pertinent information, anticipate issues and outcomes, and make sound decisions
• Ability to exchange information, present ideas, prepare accurate and detailed work product, and report clearly and concisely
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Basic math skills sufficient to perform billing and reporting tasks
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills required to perform the essential functions of the role
• Ability to maintain focus for sustained periods to perform the essential functions of the role
• Ability to apply consistent reasoning to reach conclusions to perform the essential functions of the role
• Demonstrates good judgment and decision-making in performing the essential functions of the position
• Committed to following all Firm security protocols and maintaining information security

In accordance with the New York Pay Transparency Law, the expected salary range for this New York position is $74,000-$95,000.

Chapman and Cutler LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V/SO.