Financial Specialist

The Financial Specialist is the single point of contact for select partners or clients regarding the financial operation and performance of their practice.  From review of initial client/matter intake, through oversight of time entry and Work in Progress review, proforma distribution and retrieval, coordination with billing and collections teams, and reporting needs, the Financial Specialist is expected to integrate the operations and background of both the partner and clients to provide assigned partners with insight into the financial performance of their practice, to advise partners on best courses of action moving forward, and to proactively manage client issues. Financial Specialists are expected to be available outside of standard operating hours to address partner and client issues as they arise, and to exercise independent judgment and discretion.

The Financial Specialist will collaborate closely with teams across Conflicts, New Business Intake, Billing, Collections, Pricing, Large Practice Support Program and Matter Data Management to provide seamless and efficient delivery of financial services by removing obstacles, reducing partner administrative time, and improving financial performance.

These essential functions are primary job duties that incumbents must be able to perform unassisted or with some reasonable accommodation.

• Ensure Outside Counsel Guidelines requirements are communicated to legal teams; coordinate with client teams as required.

• Assist and advise regarding utilizing client knowledge on client rate change processes, including coordination of rate changes with internal teams to ensure proper system setup and submission to clients.

• Engage in client-appropriate proforma review and submittal process to ensure all WIP is billed timely, including tracking, performing follow-up, and proactively addressing issues.

• Regularly review time entries for compliance with firm and client guidelines and provide outreach to timekeepers to provide guidance; lead training for new timekeepers on designated clients, as required.

• Communicate special billing instructions to timekeepers and billing team as needed as part of proforma review process (including alternative fee arrangements, deal closings, etc.) and investigate issues as needed.

• Confirm invoices are posted and delivered to clients timely.

• Work with E-Billing to resolve blockers and/or rejections.

• Monitor, maintain, and follow up with lawyers and clients on monthly and quarterly billing budgets.

• Monitor accounts receivable, and work with collections team as needed to follow up on aged invoices.

• Confirm cash receipts application instructions and advise regarding applications of payments or reversals as necessary, manage unallocated balances and trust accounts, and understand the requirements and restrictions of each.

• Provide client financial reporting to client leads and/or clients as needed, and understand the restrictions upon that reporting.

• Provide additional client-facing reports and updates as needed.

• Interface with clients directly to address questions or concerns, engage in any related fact-finding, and advise regarding resolution of client concerns to client, partner, or timekeeper as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Be available to assist assigned lawyers or clients after hours and on weekends, as needed.

SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to express self effectively, both orally and in writing.   

• Familiarity with accounting terminology and concepts, and ability to understand a ledger.

• Proficiency with MS Office. Above average problem-solving and systems-thinking skills.

• A personable, welcoming, and approachable manner.

• Ability to analyze and organize work for maximum efficiency.

• Strong eye for detail and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to present well on the phone and in video conference calls.

• Ability to work in a client-centric, deadline-driven environment.

SPECIFIC SKILLS PREFERRED

• Familiarity with Elite 3E, Proforma Tracker, or other digital pre-bill platforms relevant to the legal industry, and IntApp Intake or other standard new business intake platforms relevant to the legal industry.

• Five years of professional services or accounting experience required.

• Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent preferred.

At Perkins Coie, we look for self-motivated individuals dedicated to providing value and superior service and who have a high degree of integrity and enthusiasm for their work. We have created a company culture based on collaboration, devotion to serving our clients, and mutual respect. Perkins Coie is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion both within the firm and throughout our collective communities. Work with one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For and receive great health insurance, tuition reimbursement, and paid sabbaticals. 

This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) plan, medical, dental, and vision insurance, accrued paid time off plan starting at 20 days annually, personal medical and parental leave, up to 10 paid holidays, and family care benefits. More information regarding benefits and programs may be found here. 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records that reside in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco counties will be considered for employment in accordance with the applicable Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.

This position may be filled in the following location(s). The listed compensation range reflects the typical pay for this role, though it is rare for new hires to receive an offer at the top of the range. Actual compensation may vary depending on experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity. 

San Francisco Bay Area compensation range: $88,540 to $131,550 annually 

Colorado compensation range: $69,370 to $103,070 annually 

Illinois compensation range: $73,210 to $108,770 annually 

Los Angeles compensation range: $80,780 to $120,030 annually 

San Diego compensation range: $79,760 to $118,500 annually 

New York compensation range: $80,490 to $119,590 annually 

Washington state compensation range: $73,170 to $108,720 annually 

Washington, D.C., compensation range: $79,020 to $117,420 annually 

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