Client Accounts Specialist

USA Alston & Bird; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Alston & Bird LLP seeks a Client Accounts Specialist to manage client portfolios and drive timely collections, working closely with clients, attorneys, and the Finance team.

You will analyze account history, resolve disputes, and maintain strong client relationships while adhering to firm policies and procedures. This role emphasizes collaboration across teams and accurate financial management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in commercial collections, accounts receivable, billing, or related client account experience.
• Experience preferred in law firms or professional services.
• Understanding of collection practices and dispute resolution procedures.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned client account portfolios, reviewing history, aging, and balances to determine collection strategies.
• Monitor invoice status across systems and e-billing platforms; address rejections or delays.
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, billers, and Finance to obtain payment information and resolve issues.
• Research and resolve, or escalate, disputed invoices, short payments, or missing remittances.
• Prepare clear account updates and follow-up reminders using Firm systems.
• Maintain professional client communication while balancing collection objectives and relationships.
• Identify collection risks and support practice group goals with Senior Manager guidance.
• Follow Firm policies and HR guidelines while exercising sound judgment.

Skills

Communication

Relationship management

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Professionalism

Discretion

Education

High school diploma

Accounting/Finance coursework

Tools

ARCS

Aderant

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Client e-billing platforms

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 **escalate** 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 information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in relation to our recruiting, hiring, and promoting practices.

The statements contained in this position description are not necessarily all-inclusive, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.

Professional business references and a background screening will be required for all final applicants selected for a position.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability you may contact [e-mail].

Alston & Bird is not currently accepting resumes from agencies for this position.

If you are a recruiter, search firm, or employment agency, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if Alston & Bird hires the candidate.

Alston & Bird’s HR Mission Statement Hire For Attitude Development for Tomorrow Lead For A Lifetime!

Michael Moore, Special Projects Catering Coordinator, shares his experience working at Alston & Bird.