Billing Analyst

Overview of the Function

The Finance function ensures robust financial control across our global operations, whilst partnering with the firm as a valued commercial advisor, influencing strategic decision making and driving long term profitable growth for the firm

We achieve our vision with all our people working collaboratively with a shared culture and identifying themselves as part of one inclusive Global Finance team.

Role summary/purpose of job

The Billing Analyst ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the order-to-cash cycle, contributing to the firm`s financial health and customer satisfaction. Works closely with internal stakeholders to manage working capital and forms an important part of the larger Finance function. The Global Billing Analyst is responsible for one or more areas such as order processing, billing, payment collections, accounts receivable and reporting.

This is a role which involves working as part of the large global billing team, split across the firm's Global centres. We are looking for a flexible team player who thrives in an active work environment. The role requires attention to detail, comfort with figures, and a proactive approach to problem solving.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

• Processing and managing billing transactions, processing client bills, including uploading to the client's ebilling system as required, and ensuring compliance with client fee deals, local regulations, tax requirements and internal billing policies.
• Accurately process time and cost transfers and write-offs/write-downs while ensuring proper authorization.
• Maintain a proper audit trail of work performed to ensure compliance with global and local billing standards.
• Acting as a liaison for the internal stakeholders (Partners, Assistants and other Finance depts.) & customers address inquiries, resolve issues related to billing and payments, and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Investigating and resolving discrepancies or disputes related to client accounts, ensuring that any issues are addressed promptly and efficiently.
• Generating and analysing financial reports related to billing processes, such as audit reports, aging reports, cash flow forecasts, and collection reports, to provide insights and support decision-making.
• Ensuring that all billing processes comply with relevant regulations and firm policies and maintaining accurate and complete documentation of transactions and communications.
• Identifying opportunities to streamline and improve billing processes, implementing best practices, and working with cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Train new team members on processes, as required.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

Essential

• Confident working with numbers and able to reconcile (excellent numeracy skills).
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Flexibility - able to work non-standard hours, sometimes at short notice.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a different colleagues, specifically, partners, executive assistants, client value and others.
• Effective time management and organizational skills with an ability to be flexible on short notice based on demand.
• Results focussed and able to meet deadlines and manage expectations.
• Curious mindset to spot recurring process issues and influence change and continuous improvement.

Desirable

• Experience of working within a of Global Shared Services environment
• Knowledge and understanding of billing processes.
• Experience in a billing environment and knowledge of law firm billing systems (Thompson Reuters Elite 3e).

Pay and benefits

Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $80,000 to $100,000.