Client Accounting Assistant

A Client Accounting Assistant’s responsibilities in the Cost Recovery area are focused on the daily processing of automated expenses and attending to both vendor and internal inquiries.  All Client Accounting Assistants are responsible for learning and executing not only the primary tasks assigned, but also the tasks of their co-workers so they can provide backup when needed.

• Managing automated costs transmitted electronically from both internal and external sources
• Downloading data from vendor websites and using internal software to send data files to be processed in the accounting system
• Balancing and posting automated and manual expenses, correcting invalid transactions, reporting questionable charges to management and contacting Financial Systems regarding missing and/or invalid data files
• Reviewing, allocating expenses, and distributing reports for various vendor accounts
• Conducting research in order to respond to inquiries related to the Firm’s automated expenses; working with vendors to resolve billing discrepancies
• Provide support in managing employee personal account balances; The assistant will maintain awareness of account balances, work with employees to clear past due amounts and escalate delinquent accounts to management
• Process virtual remit deposits for client and non-client checks; communicate deposits with cash receipts team for timely posting
• Filing cost batches, vendor correspondence, and internal emails in the Firm’s document management system or shared outlook mailbox
• Filing and storage of cost batches
• Providing excellent client service to our attorneys, billing specialists, clients, vendors and other Firm personnel who send inquiries to the Cost Recovery inbox. This includes promptly pulling backup documentation, answering questions regarding automated expenses, transferring/assigning costs as requested and responding to vendor inquires related to billing and payments
• Other responsibilities include assisting the Client Accounting Supervisor and Manager as needed and performing other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience: 

Required:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Previous law firm experience
• Knowledge of Elite Enterprise 3E

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer