Senior Accounting Specialist- Accounts Receivable (Milwaukee)

Godfrey & Kahn; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Godfrey & Kahn is seeking an experienced Senior Accounting Specialist - Accounts Receivable to manage daily cash application and AR activities, ensuring accurate recording of client payments and timely reporting. You will work with attorneys, clients, and internal teams to resolve discrepancies and support trust account transactions.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in accounting or finance and at least five years in AR or cash application, with strong Excel and ERP skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of accounts receivable or cash application experience.
• Detail-oriented with high accuracy.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and cash application.
• Proficiency in Excel and ERP systems.
• Strong communication and service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Process and apply client payments via check, ACH, wire, and lockbox.
• Reconcile daily cash receipts and investigate differences.
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies including unapplied cash.
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, and internal departments to resolve issues.
• Manage client trust account transactions, including deposits and distributions.
• Prepare monthly reports of client trust balances.
• Calculate and post interest for client trust accounts.
• Process client refunds and related refund letters.
• Monitor unapplied cash and aging balances and follow up on outstanding items.
• Assist with account reconciliations and month-end activities.
• Follow firm policies, internal controls, and accounting procedures.
• Complete other accounting tasks and projects as assigned.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Service-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced accounting professional who enjoys solving problems, building relationships, and keeping complex processes running smoothly. You will collaborate with attorneys, clients, and colleagues across the firm while managing cash application, account reconciliations, client trust transactions, and reporting. If you are detail-oriented, service-focused, and ready to make an impact within a collaborative professional environment, we would love to hear from you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Accounting Specialist - Accounts Receivable manages the firm's daily cash application and related accounts receivable activities, ensuring client payments are recorded accurately and promptly. This role processes receipts, reconciles cash activity, resolves payment discrepancies, administers client trust account transactions, and supports account reconciliations and reporting.

Working closely with attorneys, clients, and internal departments, this position researches and communicates about payment issues, unapplied cash, refunds, and trust account balances. The role helps maintain accurate financial records and compliance with firm policies and accounting procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Process and apply client payments received by check, ACH, wire transfer, and lockbox.
• Reconcile daily cash receipts and investigate differences.
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies, including short payments, overpayments, and unapplied cash.
• Communicate with clients, attorneys, and internal departments to resolve payment issues.
• Manage day-to-day client trust account transactions, including deposits and payment distributions.
• Prepare monthly reports of client trust account balances.
• Calculate and post interest for client trust accounts.
• Process client refunds and prepare related refund letters.
• Monitor unapplied cash and aging balances and follow up on outstanding items.
• Assist with account reconciliations and related month-end activities.
• Follow firm policies, internal controls, and accounting procedures.
• Complete other accounting tasks and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field preferred.
• At least five years of experience in accounts receivable, cash application, or a related accounting function.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Working knowledge of accounting principles and cash application practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting or enterprise resource planning systems.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and a service-oriented approach.