Job purpose summary: To deliver a fees recovery performance within the expectations outlined and in line with the credit policy of the partnership
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure that debts are paid in a timely manner
- Meet cash & debtor day targets set by the Firm
- Chase overdue invoices by telephone, email & letter within agreed timescales
- Coordinate and resolve various issues with bank such as cleared check differences, bank fee anomalies, and targeted balance calculations
- Monitor positive pay exceptions
- Bank liaison
- Maintain accurate records of all chasing activity
- Identify changes in payment patterns and propose action to avert indebtedness
- Handle disputed bills and negotiate to bring payment within the agreed terms
- Provide accurate advice on billing queries
- Respond promptly and completely to both client and internal enquiries
- Prepare files for transfer to the Debt Recovery Dept
- Providing ad-hoc reporting as and when requested
- Post payments to accounts and allocate as required
- Undertake account reconciliations as required
- Ensure monthly processing deadlines are met as required
- Send out monthly client statements/letters as may be agreed from time to time
- Develop the credit management capability within the practice
- Keep the partnership up to date with new credit management techniques and practices
- Keeping track of all payments and expenditures, including payroll, purchase orders, invoices, statements, etc.
- Reconciling processed work by verifying entries and comparing system reports to balances
- Maintaining historical records
- Paying employees by verifying expense reports and preparing pay checks
- Paying vendors by scheduling pay checks and ensuring payment is received for outstanding credit; generally responding to all vendor enquiries regarding finance
- Preparing analyses of accounts and producing monthly reports
- Continuing to improve the payment process
- Provide cover for other accounting functions as requested
- Other duties as delegated from time to time by the Group Finance Manager or any other person designated in their absence
ESSENTIAL WORK SKILLS:
Able to demonstrate experience of working in a credit control dept in a busy legal practice
Experience of working for a firm with a turnover of 6m plus
Knowledge of Solicitors Accounts Rules
Familiar with accounts procedures, client ledgers, disbursements and office accounts
Experience of legal practice management systems is desirable
Possess a good understanding of Excel, Word and Crystal reports
Experience of dealing with clients at all levels, including corporate entities & high net worth individuals
Ability to manage & prioritize an extensive caseload
. Experienced with working knowledge of SAP
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Excellent communication skills at all levels
Good keyboard skills and competence of Word, Excel and Outlook are required
High standard of numeracy, accuracy with attention to detail
A team player with a flexible approach and a willingness to learn
Outgoing and confident personality who is able to operate at all levels
A self-starter who is pro-active and can set and achieve goals
Strong organizational & time management skills
Ability to recognize potential risks to the Firm that should be escalated
