Accounting, Accounts Receivable, Analysis Skills, Bankruptcy, Billing, Business Administration, Cash Flow, Communication Skills, Corporate Law, Credit and Collections, Customer Relations, Customer Support/Service, Detail Oriented, Develop and Maintain Customers, Disbursements, Diversity, Employee Assistance Plan, Facebook, Finance, Leadership, Legal, LinkedIn, Metrics, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Negotiation Skills, Organizational Skills, Past Due Accounts, People Management, Physical Demands, Problem Solving Skills, Process Improvement, Professional Services, Project Tracking, Record Keeping, Reporting Skills, Scholarship, Service Delivery, Team Player, Time Management, Volunteer Experience
Description
About the Position
The Collections Lead is responsible for managing and monitoring outstanding accounts receivable balances, ensuring timely collection of payments, and maintaining positive client relationships. This role works closely with clients and internal stakeholders to resolve billing issues, reduce aged receivables, and support the organization's cash flow objectives.
The role is full time Monday through Friday 8 am - 5 pm (eastern).
What You'll Do:
- Review new clients to detect possible credit/collection problems and propose appropriate protective arrangements such as engagement letters, retainers and payment schedules.
- Oversee the billing of legal services and client disbursements by monitoring outstanding balances and working with the respective billing attorneys to bill items as soon as deemed appropriate by the pertinent parties.
- Oversee the collections of accounts receivable by monitoring balances and collection efforts and working with the respective billing attorneys and clients to assure timely payment.
- Communicate by mail and telephone on a regular basis with clients who have past due accounts.
- Negotiate and monitor special payment arrangements with clients who are unable to pay when due.
- Maintain appropriate records to be able to monitor progress in the billing and collection process.
- Prepare periodic reports for the Management and Billing Committees on the status of problem accounts.
- Monitor progress of the firm’s legal action to collect accounts in various courts; bankruptcy, small claims and others.
- Verify that the firm’s conflict system and the specific client files reflect write offs and all non-agreed to amounts.
- Uphold a forward-thinking mentality with regards to process improvement and the utilization of new technologies.
- Provide guidance, support, and training to the Collections Assistant to empower them to handle delegated collections tasks.
- Provide input to firm leadership on accounts receivable and WIP metrics, taking a proactive approach to communicating and resolving potential issues.
The Collections Lead role embodies WNJ’s accounting team values, demonstrating teamwork by respectfully working and collaborating with the accounting team and other firm members while having fun, integrity by striving for honesty and transparency in every action, dedication by exceeding internal and external client expectations, and responsibility by taking the initiative to make a positive impact on the firm and our clients.
The physical demands of this position are representative of those that must be met by an employee in order to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. These include being both mobile and stationary throughout the workday, having the ability to transport 25 pounds and being able to operate a computer and other business equipment found in the office.
What Makes You Successful:
Success in this role requires strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, along with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word, has experience with legal billing and e-billing systems (or the ability to learn them quickly), and communicates effectively while handling confidential information with professionalism and discretion. A proactive, client-service mindset and a commitment to accuracy and collaboration are essential.
About You:
Experience, Education, and Training:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
- Minimum of 3 years of billing or accounting experience. Prior law firm or professional services experience strongly preferred.
The salary range for this role is currently $75,000-$90,000 per year.
What sets Warner Apart
At Warner Norcross + Judd, we know that talented professionals have choices. That's why we've built a workplace that supports your success both professionally and personally.
Benefits Designed to Support You
We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Firm-paid life insurance and disability coverage
- 401(k) with employer contribution or match, depending on plan design
- Generous paid time off and leave programs
- Paid firm holidays
- Remote work flexibility
- Wellness programs
- Employee assistance program
- Professional development and growth opportunities
Why People Choose Warner
At Warner, our culture is guided by our motto: "Fun, Pride + Profit...in that Order." We believe people do their best work when they feel connected to their colleagues, supported in their careers, and empowered to maintain balance in their lives.
When you join Warner, you'll find:
- A collaborative environment where teamwork and mutual respect are valued
- Meaningful opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion that encourages participation and leadership at every level
- Flexibility that supports both professional achievement and personal well-being
- A firm that invests in its communities through charitable giving, volunteerism, and scholarship programs
- Colleagues who are passionate about delivering exceptional service while enjoying the work they do
About Warner
Warner is a full-service corporate law firm with 230+ attorneys practicing in nine offices throughout Michigan: Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Macomb, Midland and Muskegon. To learn more, visit www.wnj.com, or connect with us on LinkedIn or Facebook.