Client Accounts Specialist

alston; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Alston & Bird LLP is seeking a Client Accounts Specialist to manage a portfolio of client accounts, drive timely collections, and collaborate with attorneys, billers, and Finance to resolve outstanding invoices.

You will monitor invoices, address discrepancies, and communicate clearly with clients while maintaining strong relationships and adhering to firm policies. This role offers a meaningful impact on firm operations and client service.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in commercial collections or AR in professional services.
• High school diploma required; accounting/finance degree preferred.
• Experience with law firm billing systems or e-billing is a plus.
• Strong communication and client service skills.
• Ability to follow procedures and workflows for practice groups.

Responsibilities

• Manage client account portfolios and determine collection strategies.
• Monitor invoice status across internal systems and client e-billing platforms; identify issues and follow up.
• Proactively communicate with clients, attorneys, billers, and Finance to obtain payment information and resolve issues.
• Research and resolve disputed invoices, short payments, unapplied payments, and missing remittances.
• Prepare clear account updates, collection notes, and reminders using ARCS and Firm systems.
• Maintain professional client communication while balancing collection objectives with relationships.
• Identify collection risks with Senior Manager of Client Accounts and prioritize high-impact accounts.
• Follow Firm policies, Finance procedures, and HR guidelines while exercising judgment.
• Build effective relationships with partners, attorneys, administrative staff, and clients.

Skills

Communication

Relationship management

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Independent work

MS Word/Excel

ARCS/Aderant

E-billing platforms

Law firm experience

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Business administration degree

Tools

ARCS

Aderant

E-billing platforms

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

THE FIRM

As a leading international law firm, we are dedicated to excellence through impactful communication, collaboration, and community involvement. Our company culture has earned us one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" for 27 consecutive years. This honor, along with many others, highlights our commitment to innovation and professional development. At Alston & Bird LLP, our foundation is made of trust, reliability, and compassion.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Client Accounts Specialist plays a key role in supporting Alston & Bird's financial success by managing a portfolio of client accounts and helping drive the timely resolution of outstanding invoices. Partnering closely with clients, attorneys, billers, and Finance team members, this position blends relationship management, problem solving, and financial analysis to navigate complex account matters, identify strategic collection priorities, and deliver an exceptional client experience. This is an excellent opportunity for a professional who enjoys building relationships, collaborating across teams, and making a meaningful impact on business operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO

• Manage assigned client account portfolios by reviewing account history, aging, payment trends, and outstanding balances to determine appropriate collection strategies.
• Monitor invoice status across internal systems and client e-billing platforms; identify rejected, pending, disputed, or delayed invoices and initiate follow-up action.
• Proactively communicate with clients, attorneys, billers, legal administrative assistants, and Finance team members to obtain payment information, resolve account issues, and support timely collections.
• Research and resolve, or elevate as appropriate, disputed invoices, short payments, unapplied payments, missing remittances, and other account discrepancies.
• Prepare clear and accurate account updates, collection notes, and follow-up reminders using ARCS collection software and other Firm systems.
• Maintain professional, client-focused communication while balancing the Firm's collection objectives with the importance of long-term client relationships.
• Partner with the Senior Manager of Client Accounts to identify collection risks, prioritize high-impact accounts, and support practice group collection goals.
• Follow established Firm policies, Finance procedures, and human resources guidelines while exercising sound judgment within prescribed operating parameters.
• Build effective working relationships with internal and external contacts, including partners, associates, administrative personnel, staff, and clients.

SKILLS NEEDED TO BE SUCCESSFUL

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey account status, payment issues, and next steps clearly and professionally.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with attorneys, staff, clients, and Finance team members.
• Demonstrated professionalism, discretion, and tact when handling sensitive client account matters and difficult collection conversations.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet follow-up deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, including the ability to research account history, identify root causes of payment delays, and recommend practical solutions.
• Sound business judgment and the ability to work independently while knowing when to elevate issues to the Senior Manager of Client Accounts.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, ARCS, Aderant, and client e-billing platforms preferred.
• Prior law firm, professional services, commercial collections, or accounts receivable experience preferred.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 5 years of commercial collections, accounts receivable, billing, or related client account experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Working knowledge of collection practices, account reconciliation, dispute resolution, and client follow-up procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow procedures, instructions, and workflows specific to assigned practice groups and client account responsibilities.

Preferred:

• College coursework or degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Experience with law firm billing systems, e-billing platforms, and client account management tools preferred.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Alston & Bird LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer does not discriminate on the bases of any status protected under federal, state, or local law. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic informati