Billing Assistant Jobs

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

• Maintain/enter status updates in Firm's collection database.
• Track status of bills submitted, identify issues, and work to address rejections and reductions as they arise.
• Communicate new/changes in client policies to timekeepers.
• Provide assistance to partners and clients regarding outstanding and/or short paid invoices.
• Pull back-up of costs to include with final invoices based on a client's billing requirements.
• Generate Proformas for each assigned partner at the beginning of each month, after the time entry deadline.
• Monitor aging of unbilled fees for assigned partners and/or clients.
• Perform client billing and collection activities for assigned clients in a timely manner.
• Edit draft invoices based on partners' mark-up, including:
• Prepare electronic invoices using LEDES files; submit electronic invoices to clients via their designated electronic billing system using eBillingHub and verify successful submissions.
• Administration of attorney billing responsibilities, including:
• 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.
• Monitor and manage outstanding accounts receivable, unapplied funds and collection efforts.
• Generate billing variance reports and write-off reports; acquire appropriate write-off approvals based on write-off amount thresholds.
• Review Proformas for misallocated time and ensure time entries are in accordance with client policy.
• Meet with the Billing Manager, Senior Billing Coordinators, and/or partners to discuss monthly billing, outstanding invoices and strategy for collections.
• Prepare billing packages for each assigned partner (i.e. draft cover letters, invoices, etc.).
• E-Billing
• Time/cost transfers; investigate appropriateness of where entries should be billed.
• Write-offs, in accordance with firm policies/procedures.
• Proactive follow-up with the Billing Manager, Senior Billing Coordinators, partners, and clients.
• 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.
• Monitor payment of assigned clients' accounts receivable and coordinate collection efforts.
• 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).
• Time entry narrative changes with respect to additions, corrections, deletions.
• Communicate situations as they arise that may require follow-up, such as rate issues, delays in billing, difficult requests, etc.
• Collaborate with Billing and Collection Committee members and/or Financial Managers to coordinate billing and collection efforts.
• As requested, handle billing and client driven requests.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 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.
• Electronic Billing Systems
• Opportunities to expand responsibilities and progress within the Billing Services function are available for individuals based on strong performance and the desire to grow.
• MS Office with emphasis on Word and Excel
• 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.
• Technologies/Software
• Elite 3E
• 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.

How to Apply

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

For applicants who are based in New York City, visit the following link for pay range information: https://staffjobsus.kirkland.com/pages/JOBID6975

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. #LI-AR1 #LI-Hybrid