Billing and Collections Manager, EMEA

Our client, a prestigious US law firm, currently have a fantastic opportunity for a Billing and Collections Manager, EMEA to join the firm on a permanent basis. Reporting to the Global Senior Collections Manager, the Euro/Asia Manager of Billing and Collections will lead all aspects of the Firm's client invoicing, electronic billing, and cash collections for the London, Cambridge, Frankfurt, Paris, Luxembourg and Hong Kong offices.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage Billing and Collections Euro/Asia Department staff. Allocate and monitor work assignments. Oversee and facilitate the annual review process for the Euro/Asia Billing and Collections team. Oversee recruitment, training and development of the Euro/Asia Billings and Collections team as it expands. Lead and inspire Euro/Asia Billing and Collections teams in developing and documenting best practices to support collections, billing and electronic billing for the Euro/Asia offices. Participate in regular Billing & Collection Department meetings conducted by the Billing & Collections Management Team, monitoring billing and collections issues and concerns, and assist in directing the Euro/Asia team members to achieve departmental and firm initiatives and goals. Establish internal procedures for processing client billing and collection activity in accordance with Firm policy. Continuously evaluate billing and collections best practices and efficient utilization of technology, in order to strategically maximize Firm billing and collection results and help drive improvements in key performance indicators. Ensure SRA, Hong Kong Law Society, and HMRC (VAT) rules and regulations are met in accordance with Euro/Asia invoices. Keep abreast of new technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of Firm billing and collection support. Interact with billing attorneys and secretaries regarding all aspects of billing and collection services and procedures, including following up with partners regarding aged work-in-progress and aged receivables, and communicating with Firm Management, Business Unit Leaders and Business Unit Managers account escalation when necessary. Encourage billing attorneys to establish monthly billing procedures and practices. Work closely with billing attorneys in achieving billing and collection Firm goals while monitoring and securing the integrity of aged work-in-progress, as well as aged receivables. Assist with the annual billing rate reset and review of alternative billing rate arrangement to ensure that they are established in accordance with Firm policy and client agreement expectations, while maintaining and monitoring special billing arrangements and rates as needed throughout the annual cycle for all Euro/Asia client matters. Review client Outside Counsel Guidelines and advise managing partners of essential client mandates relating to rates and billing practices. Ensure financial system is programmed to report and produce billing in accordance with agreed-upon client guidelines and expectations. Oversee Euro/Asia billing and collections team members in coordination of daily and month-end processes and reporting relating to Firm billing and cash postings, prebill distributions, quarterly collection pushes, aged work-in-progress and receivable clean-up, write-down and write-off approval processes, monthly reserve reporting, and fiscal year-end forecasting. Respond to high volume of Management, Partner, and client requests relating to Euro/Asia billing/collection inquires and reporting. Reconcile client accounts as needed and provide analyses when necessary.

Previous legal billing and collections experience is required along with related financial management experience in a professional service organization, law firm experience. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written are essential and the successful candidate must have the ability to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and meet stringent deadlines. Knowledge of CMS Aderant or Elite 3E/ Enterprise would be a distinct advantage. Attention to detail, flexibility to work overtime and the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines is a must in this busy role. Strong word processing, database and spreadsheet software skills are required. If you feel you meet the above requirements and would like to be part of a great team, please contact Ryder Reid Legal ASAP