Billing Assistant

Description

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we are united in our ambition and drive to move forward. We share core values that help us achieve excellence: collaboration, talent empowerment, service, inclusion, respect and gratitude. Our people are our greatest asset, and we invest in the brightest talent and encourage a diversity of perspectives and strengths to create dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of their field. Our talented professionals show up every day knowing they will engage in meaningful work, continuous learning and professional development.

As one of the world's leading law firms, we serve a broad range of clients with market-leading practices in private equity, M&A and other complex corporate transactions; investment fund formation and management; restructurings; high-stakes litigation and trials; and government, regulatory and internal investigations. We handle the most complicated and sophisticated legal matters because we don't just meet industry standards, we create them. We bring innovation and entrepreneurialism to every engagement and, as a result, have long-standing client relationships with leading global corporations and financial sponsors. With 6,500 employees (including 3,000+ lawyers) operating from 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia, we are one of the largest law firms in the world and a top financial performer.

Essential Job Functions

The Billing Assistant is responsible for the completion of all facets of the billing and collection function. The position requires the preparation of client invoices, as well as monitoring and follow-up after they are sent. Responsibilities include working with the Billing Manager, Senior Billing Coordinators, and/or partners to proactively administer their billing responsibilities, preparation and processing of timely and high quality invoices, and monitoring and follow-up on outstanding receivables.

Essential Functions (This list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented and changed as necessary.)

• Administration of attorney billing responsibilities, including:
  • Perform client billing and collection activities for assigned clients in a timely manner.
  • Monitor aging of unbilled fees for assigned partners and/or clients.
  • Monitor and manage outstanding accounts receivable, unapplied funds and collection efforts.
  • Meet with the Billing Manager, Senior Billing Coordinators, and/or partners to discuss monthly billing, outstanding invoices and strategy for collections.
  • As requested, handle billing and client driven requests.
• Generate Proformas for each assigned partner at the beginning of each month, after the time entry deadline.
  • Prepare billing packages for each assigned partner (i.e. draft cover letters, invoices, etc.).
  • Review Proformas for misallocated time and ensure time entries are in accordance with client policy.
  • Communicate new/changes in client policies to timekeepers.
• Edit draft invoices based on partners' mark-up, including:
  • Write-offs, in accordance with firm policies/procedures.
  • Time/cost transfers; investigate appropriateness of where entries should be billed.
  • Time entry narrative changes with respect to additions, corrections, deletions.
  • Verify client specific rate accommodations and if necessary, apply approved discounts to the face of the invoices; keep track of volume discounts based on thresholds reached.
  • Pull back-up of costs to include with final invoices based on a client's billing requirements.
  • Generate billing variance reports and write-off reports; acquire appropriate write-off approvals based on write-off amount thresholds.

E-Billing:

• Prepare electronic invoices using LEDES files; submit electronic invoices to clients via their designated electronic billing system using eBillingHub and verify successful submissions.
• Establish working relationships with e-billing site vendors; make certain all timekeepers and rates are up-to-date on the sites; submit timekeepers and rates for approval as needed.
• Ensure three way communications between e-billing site, client and the Firm (as the e-billing site processes invoices based on the Clients' Outside Counsel Billing Guidelines).
• Track status of bills submitted, identify issues, and work to address rejections and reductions as they arise.
• Monitor payment of assigned clients' accounts receivable and coordinate collection efforts.
  • Proactive follow-up with the Billing Manager, Senior Billing Coordinators, partners, and clients.
  • Collaborate with Billing and Collection Committee members and/or Financial Managers to coordinate billing and collection efforts.
  • Provide assistance to partners and clients regarding outstanding and/or short paid invoices.
  • Maintain/enter status updates in Firm's collection database.
• Communicate situations as they arise that may require follow-up, such as rate issues, delays in billing, difficult requests, etc.

Qualifications & Requirements

• The Billing Assistant will have a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business. Previous billing experience in a law firm of professional services company is preferable but not essential. Training will be provided to the extent required.
• The Billing Assistant is expected to perform all job duties with a commitment to providing superior service to clients and attorneys while producing a high quality work product. The ability to multitask and prioritize is essential.
• The Billing Assistant must possess outstanding interpersonal skills in order to work effectively within a team environment, as well as independently. The ability to adapt to new assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced, highly demanding environment is required. Additional requirements include outstanding customer service demeanor and flexibility for possible overtime hours.
• Opportunities to expand responsibilities and progress within the Billing Services function are available for individuals based on strong performance and the desire to grow.

Technologies/Software:

• MS Office with emphasis on Word and Excel
• Elite 3E
• Electronic Billing Systems

Work Environment:

• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

Closing Statement

The www.kirkland.com job postings and recruiting mailbox are for candidates only. If you are a recruiter, search firm or employment agency, and do not have a signed contract with Kirkland & Ellis LLP ("K&E") and have not been asked specifically to submit candidates, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate even if K&E hires the candidate. Direct contact with K&E employees in an attempt to present candidates is inappropriate and will be a factor in determining any future professional relationship with the Firm.