Sr. Client Accounts Specialist

USA Alston & Bird; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

USA Alston & Bird in Atlanta is seeking a Senior Client Accounts Specialist to support financial operations and manage client account interactions. This role demands strong negotiation skills and exceptional analytical abilities to ensure accurate billing and timely payments while fostering positive relationships with clients.

The ideal candidate should have over 2 years of experience in credit management, preferably in a law or professional services environment, and possess advanced skills in Excel and relevant tools like Aderant and ARCS.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of credit management and commercial collections experience, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex procedures and guidelines.
• Advanced knowledge of credit practices and complex collection techniques.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of client accounts and analyze accounts receivable balances.
• Propose solutions for past-due balances to ensure timely payments.
• Negotiate payment plans and resolve complex billing disputes.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Executive-level communication skills

Business acumen and project/time management skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Advanced proficiency in Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Aderant

ARCS

Excel

Job description

Job Description

Senior Client Accounts Specialist. Reporting to the Sr. Manager of Client Accounts, this role supports a high‑performing team responsible for financial operations, with a focus on delivering accurate and timely client account management across the firm. This is a highly collaborative, attorney‑facing position that offers frequent interaction with lawyers, clients, and cross‑functional teams. The ideal candidate is a proactive self‑starter with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills who enjoys working with financial data, taking ownership of the billing lifecycle, and ensuring a seamless client experience. Success in this role requires the ability to manage competing priorities, maintain precision in a fast‑paced environment, and deliver exceptional service while contributing to a team‑oriented culture.

Essential Duties

• Works with partners and clients on past‑due balances to propose ways of convincing the client to pay the amount owed.
• Manages a portfolio of client accounts and analyzes accounts receivable balances to drive timely payment of invoices while maintaining accurate electronic records and strong client relationships.
• Occasionally negotiates with clients on payment plans, timing, and settlement amounts.
• Exercises independent judgment within guidelines; escalates material risks of nonpayment and recommends solutions to improve collections and avoid disputes.
• Drafts payment plan options, such as monthly payment plans and deferred payment for review and discussion with Finance leadership, partners and clients.
• Communicates over virtual meetings, phone and email with partners and clients; documents action items and status; and follows up as appropriate.
• Coordinates with the Sr. Manager of Client Accounts to manage escalations.
• Owns day‑to‑day utilization of Aderant and ARCS to manage the assigned accounts receivable portfolio.
• Conducts advanced analysis of account history and develops client‑specific collection strategies; proactively identifies risk trends and recommends actions to reduce aged receivables.
• Manages high‑impact client and attorney interactions, including escalations; maintains exceptional responsiveness and drives timely resolution while protecting the Firm’s client relationships.
• Drives complex communications with partners and clients; drafts clear, concise summaries and recommended next steps.
• Coordinates across billing, timekeepers, and client contacts to resolve disputed, skipped, and/or past‑due invoices and short payments.
• Maintains accurate account status and follow‑up procedures in ARCS; defines and reinforces documentation standards.
• Research payment misapplications and partners with the A/R team to resolve issues and ensure accurate application of funds.

Skills Needed to Be Successful

• Negotiation skills to consider the unique circumstances of the delayed payment, client situation, and viable options to reach a mutually acceptable payment solution.
• Executive‑level communication skills (written, verbal and virtual meetings), including the ability to translate complex account details into clear recommendations.
• Able to build trusted partnerships across the Firm and influence outcomes with attorneys, partners, and senior leaders.
• Able to resolve complex billing disputes through analysis, stakeholder alignment, and persistent follow‑through while preserving client relationships.
• Comfortable influencing partners and senior management with data‑driven recommendations and clear risk/impact tradeoffs.
• Strong business acumen and project/time management skills to prioritize competing deadlines and drive work to closure with minimal supervision.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and working knowledge of ARCS, Aderant and CoPilot.
• Knowledge of Dunn & Bradstreet credit reports and financial statement analysis; able to identify red flags.
• Able to manage sensitive and high‑stakes conversations with established Firm etiquette, professionalism, and appropriate discretion.
• Thorough knowledge of Firm and Administrative Support Service standards, practices, and procedures, with the ability to recommend and implement controls and improvements.
• Law firm or professional services firm experience strongly preferred.

Education and Experience

Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply complex procedures, guidelines, and client specific requirements, using independent judgment to drive resolution.

2+ years of credit management and commercial collections experience (B2B), preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.

Advanced knowledge of credit practices, credit analysis, and complex collection techniques; experience setting strategy for a portfolio and leading escalations.

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or related field preferred (or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience).

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.