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