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Southwest Strategies

Public affairs firm delivering coalition-driven campaigns

Billing Specialist

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$25 - $35/hr+ Profit sharing
Mid
Bachelor's
San Diego, CA, USA
HybridHybrid schedule with 3 days onsite in San Diego; must be located in San Diego.
AccountingAccounts Payable/Receivable

About the job

Requirements
  • A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required.
  • At least 3 years of experience in agency billing, accounts receivable, or finance is required.
  • A strong understanding of agency billing practices, project rates, and client contracts is required.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and analytical ability are required.
  • The role requires communication and collaboration with project managers and internal teams.
  • The role requires strong organization and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
  • Review client contracts and statements of work to understand billing terms, invoicing requirements, payment schedules, and other applicable conditions, and prepare invoices in accordance with contractual obligations.
  • Prepare accurate client invoices based on approved project budgets, hourly rates, and contractual requirements.
  • Review and verify billing data for accuracy and consistency before invoice submission.
  • Periodically audit time entries, billing rates, and billable expenses to support an accurate billing process.
  • Partner with project managers to ensure invoices align with completed work and client agreements.
  • Reconcile client accounts and resolve discrepancies in collaboration with internal teams.
  • Receive, record, and post client payments in the accounting system.
  • Monitor outstanding balances and assist with follow-up on past-due invoices.
  • Maintain accurate records of billing transactions and related client communications.
  • Generate reports on invoice status, accounts receivable aging, and project billing metrics.
  • Reconcile the accounts receivable subledger to the general ledger and investigate variances as needed.
  • Identify opportunities to improve billing accuracy, efficiency, and process compliance.
  • Support month-end and year-end close activities and related financial reporting.
  • Work extended hours or weekends when project demands require.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with BigTime is a plus.

About the company

Southwest Strategies is a California public affairs firm that designs and runs outreach campaigns for clients in both the public and private sectors. They handle research, planning, communications, visual materials, and crisis management to influence policy, public opinion, and regulatory outcomes, focusing on land development, energy, water, and transportation. They work by researching industries and communities, becoming experts in those areas, and using integrated services to craft strategies, build coalitions, and execute campaigns through a network of relationships. Their goal is to help clients secure approvals, funding, and favorable policy and project outcomes.

Company Size

51-200

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

San Diego, California

Founded

2000

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • February 23, 2026 rebrand to Bodewell Group expanded to roughly 140 employees.
  • Kiterocket added semiconductors, renewable energy, and sustainability, broadening revenue beyond California public affairs.
  • The firm now covers San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Seattle.

What critics are saying

  • Sunsetting legacy brands in February 2026 risks client confusion and talent churn through 2027.
  • Integration after four acquisitions since 2023 can disrupt service quality and margin discipline.
  • A failed Bodewell integration would unravel the single-brand strategy and force expensive client reacquisition.

What makes Southwest Strategies unique

  • Since 2000, Chris Wahl and Alan Ziegaus built California's best-known infrastructure public affairs shop.
  • Bodewell unifies Katz, BergDavis, ColLAborate, and Kiterocket under one integrated communications platform.
  • Its specialization in water, energy, transportation, and land use matches California permitting battles.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Paid Vacation
  • Profit Sharing
  • Hybrid Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

20%

1 year growth

17%

2 year growth

17%
GlobeNewswire
Jul 1st, 2025
Southwest Strategies Acquires Kiterocket Agency

Southwest Strategies Group has acquired Kiterocket, a leading public relations agency specializing in emerging technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy, and sustainability. This acquisition expands Southwest Strategies Group's reach in the western U.S. and adds technology and sustainable living to its services. The combined entity will have over 120 employees across six offices in three states. CEO Chris Wahl will continue to lead the company.

PR Newswire
Sep 5th, 2023
Southwest Strategies Invests in Katz & Associates

/PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Strategies (SWS) announced today it has agreed to invest in and partner with Katz & Associates (K&A), one of the largest and most...

REP Publishing, Inc.
Sep 5th, 2023
SD Metro Daily Business Report: Sept. 5, 2023

San Diego public affairs agency Southwest Strategies announced it will acquire Katz & Associates, creating what officials described as the largest firm of its type in California.

Times of San Diego
Dec 5th, 2022
MarketInk: San Diego Family Magazine's New Gift Guide Benefits People With Disabilities

A statement said Palladium has “partnered” with Southwest Strategies “to support the company’s growth.”

PR Newswire
Dec 1st, 2022
Palladium Heritage Invests in Southwest Strategies, One of the Premier Public Outreach and Communications Firms in California

/PRNewswire/ -- Palladium Equity Partners (along with its affiliates, "Palladium Heritage"), announced today that it has partnered with Southwest Strategies...