Senior Working Capital Manager | Billing, WIP & Collections

Bowmans (Law Firm); Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Performance-based bonus

Job summary

Bowmans is seeking a Working Capital Manager in Sandton to lead and optimise the end-to-end working capital cycle, including WIP, billing, accounts receivable and collections. The role requires a commercially astute finance professional who can influence senior stakeholders and drive disciplined financial processes.

You will work closely with partners, fee earners and Finance stakeholders to improve cash conversion, provide clear insights, and support governance across the working capital

Qualifications

• At least 8 years' relevant experience in working capital, revenue management, billing, credit control or collections.
• Experience in a legal or professional services environment strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience managing the matter lifecycle from WIP and billing through to collection.
• Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders essential.
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience advantageous.
• Experience with Elite 3E or a comparable practice management system advantageous.
• Relevant qualification in Finance, Accounting or related field required.
• A professional finance, credit management or related qualification would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Leads the firm's end-to-end working capital cycle across WIP, billing, accounts receivable and collections.
• Develops and implements plans to improve cash conversion, reduce ageing and strengthen working capital performance.
• Identifies emerging risks, trends and opportunities and recommends action to Finance leadership.
• Supports the setting and monitoring of working capital targets, service standards and accountabilities.
• Reviews WIP regularly and identifies matters requiring billing, transfer, write-off or further investigation.
• Engages partners and fee earners on aged and unbilled WIP and drives actions to completion.
• Oversees timely, accurate conversion of WIP into client invoices in line with client agreements.
• Monitors time recording, disbursements, narratives, taxes and budgets to support billing.
• Supports resolution of complex billing queries and cross-office matters.
• Oversees accounts receivable balances and drives collection of outstanding client accounts.
• Develops and monitors collection plans with partners and Finance teams.
• Tracks overdue and high-risk accounts and ensures escalation and follow-up.
• Supports decisions on payment arrangements, credit limits and write-offs.
• Drives achievement of monthly and annual collection targets.
• Provides accurate working capital reports, forecasts and analysis to Finance leadership.
• Supports cash-flow forecasting by analysing billing, collections and movements.
• Translates financial data into insights, risks and actions for management.
• Monitors performance against KPIs and follows up on variances.
• Builds strong relationships with partners, fee earners and stakeholders.
• Conducts regular working capital and revenue reviews with practice groups.
• Challenges delays and poor practices in time recording, billing and collections.
• Promotes accountability and financial discipline across the firm.
• Reviews and improves working capital policies, controls and reporting.
• Identifies opportunities to streamline workflows and data quality.
• Ensures compliance with policies, client agreements and regulations.
• Supports audits and resolves working capital queries promptly.
• Maintains accurate records and reliable management information.
• Provides direction and training to Finance staff on time recording and billing.

Skills

WIP management

Billing oversight

Accounts receivable

Credit control

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Elite 3E experience

Legal/Professional services

Education

Finance, Accounting, Business Management or related field

Job description

Bowmans is seeking a Working Capital Manager in Sandton to lead and optimise the end-to-end working capital cycle, including WIP, billing, accounts receivable and collections. The role requires a commercially astute finance professional who can influence senior stakeholders and drive disciplined financial processes.

You will work closely with partners, fee earners and Finance stakeholders to improve cash conversion, provide clear insights, and support governance across the working capital