Accounts Receivable Specialist

The Accounts Receivable Specialist supports the Firm's collections process by managing a portfolio of client accounts, working closely with partners, clients, and Accounts Receivable Managers to resolve outstanding balances and maintain accurate records.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Independently manage a high-volume accounts receivable portfolio supporting numerous attorneys and clients, including large firmwide client accounts, to facilitate timely collections and minimize outstanding balances.
• Analyze accounts receivable aging reports to identify delinquent accounts, assess collection priorities, and develop appropriate follow-up strategies to improve collection outcomes.
• Prepare and distribute monthly accounts receivable reports to attorneys, providing analysis of outstanding balances, collection trends, and recommended actions to support timely resolution of overdue accounts.
• Collaborate with attorneys to evaluate collection challenges, determine appropriate resolution strategies, and address sensitive or complex matters, escalating issues requiring additional guidance or approval.
• Communicate directly with clients to resolve outstanding invoices, investigate payment delays, address collection disputes, and secure payment commitments while maintaining professional relationships.
• Negotiate and coordinate payment arrangements within established Firm guidelines, documenting agreed-upon terms, monitoring compliance, and addressing missed payments or unresolved balances.
• Partner with Billing, Cash Applications, and other Client Accounting teams to investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, unapplied or unidentified payments, client adjustments, refunds, and other issues affecting collections.
• Apply knowledge of the electronic billing (eBilling) lifecycle to identify and resolve invoice submission issues, rejections, and other obstacles that may delay invoice acceptance or payment.
• Maintain accurate and timely collection records using the Firm's collection system, documenting client communications, payment commitments, follow-up activities, and account resolutions to support effective portfolio management.
• Prepare and analyze collection reports and Excel spreadsheets to support management reporting, monitor collection activities, and respond to ad hoc information requests. Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job
• Thorough working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Preferred:

• Experience in law firm collections or billing
• Experience with legal billing software (e.g., Aderant, Elite 3E, or similar)
• Professional service firm experience in collections or billing
• Demonstrated ability and familiarity with e-billing platforms (e.g., TyMetrix, Collaborati, BrightFlag).

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills

• Strong attention to detail

• Good judgment

• Strong interpersonal communication skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others

• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion

• Able to work under pressure

• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

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The target salary range for this role is:

$62,600 - $80,000 if located in Illinois.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements. The requirements listed above are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email [email protected] (current employees should contact Human Resources).

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.