Overview
This position plays a key role in collections and cash application operations, overseeing collections and cash application team members. Working closely with collections and finance leadership, the role helps execute collection strategies, drive departmental performance, and promote best practices across the revenue cycle.
The manager partners with attorneys, clients, and Finance leadership to resolve collection issues, reduce aged receivables, improve cash realization, and support proactive collection efforts. The position also provides guidance to partners on accounts receivable matters, assists with complex collection challenges and client payment disputes, and supports the timely and accurate application of cash receipts.
Responsibilities include monitoring collection performance, identifying portfolio trends and risks, managing team workflow, and implementing process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and service delivery across collections and cash application.
Responsibilities
- Lead, develop, and supervise collections and cash application team members; manage team workflow, portfolio assignments, and workload distribution to ensure timely support of attorneys, clients, and business professionals.
- Ensure consistent execution of collections processes by proactively addressing aged receivables, escalating significant collection risks as appropriate, and supporting strategies that improve realization and reduce aged accounts receivable.
- Participate in the firm’s year-end collections initiative, including inventory review meetings, identifying collection opportunities, and driving accelerated collection efforts.
- Provide guidance to partners and practice group leaders on accounts receivable management and collection strategies; collaborate with billing attorneys, clients, Billing, Ebilling, and Revenue Department leadership to resolve issues such as electronic billing rejections, payment delays, outside counsel guideline compliance issues, inventory adjustments, unapplied cash, and other accounts receivable matters.
- Oversee client communication and collections outreach, including reminder programs, payment follow-up strategies, and escalation procedures for delinquent accounts.
- Analyze aged receivables and collection trends, identify high-risk accounts, and recommend resolution strategies such as attorney engagement, payment arrangements, write-off recommendations, and third-party collection referrals.
- Oversee timely and accurate application of cash receipts (checks, wires, ACH payments, and other remittance types), ensuring appropriate allocation and resolution of payment discrepancies.
- Partner with Client Trust Accounting, attorneys, and clients to coordinate complex trust and escrow-related transactions.
- Monitor collection performance metrics, including aging trends, collection activity, payment commitments, unapplied cash, and overall portfolio performance; provide regular reporting, analysis, and recommendations.
- Develop, implement, and maintain best practices and standardized processes for collections, accounts receivable management, and cash application; conduct periodic reviews and quality audits for compliance with departmental procedures, internal controls, service standards, and expected attorney/client engagement.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation; implement solutions that enhance efficiency, reporting, service delivery, and collection performance.
- Lead recruiting, onboarding, performance management, coaching, and professional development for team members.
- Support business continuity and operational resilience by maintaining documented procedures, cross-training staff, and ensuring critical collections and cash application processes can continue during business disruptions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of accounts receivable management, collections strategies, cash application processes, and revenue cycle best practices.
- Proven leadership and people management skills, including hiring, coaching, training, workload allocation, performance management, and employee development.
- Ability to build strong relationships and provide exceptional service to attorneys, clients, and business professionals while handling sensitive financial matters with discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
- Ability to provide quality client service to internal and external contacts regarding complex financial matters; requires patience, creativity, and discretion.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate and influence stakeholders at all levels, including firm leadership, attorneys, clients, staff, and external vendors.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess collection risks, identify trends, evaluate complex financial situations, and develop practical solutions.
- Exceptional organizational and project management skills; ability to manage competing priorities, work effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meet deadlines.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions when addressing sensitive client, attorney, and financial matters, including appropriate escalation of complex issues.
- Commitment to professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- Minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible, directly related experience in billing and collections functions that included direct supervision of others on a regular basis.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Range (varies by location):
- $120,000 - $180,000: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Orange County, Waltham, and Washington DC
- $132,000 - $200,000: New York and San Francisco
- $114,000 - $170,000: Other US locations
The salary for this position may vary based on location, market data, an applicant’s skills and prior experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other factors. Additional compensation may include a discretionary bonus.
Benefits:
- Healthcare, vision, and dental
- Retirement
- All-purpose leave and progressive options such as back up childcare, wellness programs, cultural events, and social activities
Location
Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Orange County, Waltham, Washington DC, New York, San Francisco, and other US locations (salary varies by location).
Additional Information
- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered.
- E-Verify program participation is applicable.