Accounts Receivable Manager

Chicago, IL, United States

About Katten

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Summary for the Accounts Receivable Manager Position

The Accounts Receivable Manager is responsible for various activities related to the accounts receivable function including research, reporting, coordination and processing of On Account Credits, cash receipts applications and management and application of firm credits, including unidentified payments, unallocated credits, retainers and client credit memos. The essential duties are completed personally or through delegation/supervision of subordinates. The Accounts Receivable Manager maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and firm matters.

Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Manage the creation and distribution of various reports to management and other departments including the daily incoming wire activity, cash receipts results reporting, benchmarking information on volume of checks vs. wire receipts, On Account credits reporting, accounts receivable write-off reporting and escrow activity. In each case, providing timely and actionable information.

Collaborate with others on the periodic review of accounts receivable balances with recommendations to write-off aged receivables ensuring small balances, due to bank charges or short-payments, are written off as they occur.

Ensure timely research of unidentified cash receipts and where appropriate collaboration with attorneys, billing managers and coordinators to ensure timely identification and application to client invoices.

Coordinate with firm attorneys, management, clients and the bank on escrow related activity.

Develop and implement accounting procedures as they relate to firm and department policies, etc. for more efficient processing of accounting-related work.

Manage and supervise Accounts Receivable staff of 5 full-time positions. This includes performance reviews, hiring new personnel, training, etc.

Performs audits of work completed by Accounts Receivable personnel to evaluate the quality and accuracy of information processed and ensure internal controls are followed.

Oversee training and support to members of other departments concerning accounting procedures as they relate to the accurate preparation and submission of paperwork for cash receipts, credits, write-offs and escrow transactions.

Investigate and resolve inquiries and issues regarding accounts receivables, cash receipts and escrow transactions.

In collaboration with management, develop policies and procedures that result in increased staff efficiencies.

Participate in systems upgrades for testing Accounts Receivable functions.

Other ad hoc requests and reporting as requested by management.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises and manages employees and is responsible for their overall direction, coordination, and evaluation. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the firm’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include hiring, interviewing and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; making recommendations for promotion, compensation, and termination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or equivalent. Minimum of ten years of accounts receivable/cash receipts experience, and five years of supervisory experience, working within an Am Law 50 law firm is required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Proficient experience with Elite and or Aderant accounting software is required.

Proficient with MS Excel spreadsheets, including features such as pivot tables, charts and graphs and formulas; Proficiency with MS Word and PowerPoint software.

Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.

Outstanding analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic with comprehensive knowledge of complex accounting principles and practices in order to conduct detailed analysis of cash receipts and escrow operations.

Exhibit high degree of initiative and critical-thinking skills in exercising independent judgment and making decisions in order to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment, and ensure work is completed within strict deadlines.

Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.

Supervisory/managerial skills necessary in order to interact and communicate with subordinates, provide instruction/direction/training, determine work priorities, and coordinate the activities of a work team.

Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information. Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e‑mail, or verbally.

Ability to perform complex mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, verifying numerical data, preparing various accounting reports.

Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.

Required to work towards deadlines; must be able to work more than 37.5 hours per week as necessary.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution, parental leave, transportation fringe benefit program, back-up care option, generous paid time off policy, and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer/AA-M/F/SO/Disability/Veteran.

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