Client Accounting Manager

Summary

The Client Accounting Manager will lead the Billing Helpline and Cost Recovery functions, serving as a key member of the Revenue Operations team. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing and resolution of revenue related transactions while driving service excellence in client accounting operations. The Client Accounting Manager will bring strong leadership, analytical skills, and a client-focused approach.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the Billing Helpline, a centralized support function for internal stakeholders—including attorneys, legal secretaries, billers, and other administrative departments—for revenue-related inquiries.
• Oversee the accurate and policy-compliant processing of revenue-related transactions, including transfers to non-billable matters and time or cost write-offs, while maintaining clear documentation and approvals.
• Act as a control point for sensitive revenue adjustments to ensure adherence to internal policies and procedures.
• Provide functional support to front end users of the Firm’s time entry billing system; address time billing inquiries and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Lead the administration of the Firm’s cost recovery processes, including validation of billable expenses, vendor integrations, and exception handling.
• Develop and enforce policies and procedures to improve cost recovery accuracy and compliance.
• Identify and implement process improvements and automation opportunities to streamline client accounting activities.
• Serve as a resource and escalation point for complex client accounting issues and cross-functional coordination.
• Prepare and deliver client accounting data and supporting schedules to facilitate the Firm’s external financial statement audits.
• Supervise, manage, lead (by example), mentor, and coach the members of the department. Develop a world class team that will provide superior customer service to all internal and external clients. Complete staff evaluations annually.
• Promote a high level of customer service within the team, ensuring customer service standards are set and achieved.
• Assess the staffing needs of the department and work with the Revenue Operations Associate Director to ensure the department has the appropriate level of support to meet the Firm’s objectives. Assist with interviewing and selecting new hires as needed. 
• Collaborate and develop strong working relationships with other departments including Billing, Accounts Receivable, Electronic Billing, Revenue Management, Financial Terms Management, General Accounting, Conflicts and New Business, and Information Technology.
• Maintain a deep understanding of the legal industry, the Firm’s practices, clients and business processes.

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. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

Target Salary Range

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below 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). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• Bachelor degree, preferably in business, accounting, or finance
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience of accounting experience
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a supervisory or team leadership role
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with other Microsoft Office products

Preferred:

• Previous experience working in a law firm or other professional services firm
• Experience with Elite 3E

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

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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