Collections Specialist at DLA Piper LLP (US) — Palo Alto, CA

Summary

The Collections Specialist, in collaboration with and in support of the firm’s strategic initiatives, plays a critical role in assisting the Collections Managers in various financial and administrative functions. This position supports client onboarding, vendor documentation, payment processing, and financial reporting, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in accounting operations.

Location

This position can sit in our Palo Alto, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, or Seattle office and offers a hybrid work schedule.

Responsibilities

• Client Onboarding Support: Assist in gathering required financial documents, setting up new client profiles, and ensuring compliance with onboarding procedures.
• Vendor Forms Management: Complete and process vendor forms as requested, ensuring accuracy and alignment with company policies.
• Payment Processing: Handle credit card payments, verify transactions, and ensure timely posting to accounts.
• Report Generation: Run and analyze reports related to outstanding balances, collections activity, and financial transactions, providing insights for management decisions.
• Payment Research: Investigate and analyze payment discrepancies, track missing transactions, and coordinate with internal teams or clients to resolve financial issues.
• Refunds: Gather, prepare and submit documentation in Chrome River in order refund overpayments received from clients.
• Administrative Assistance: Provide general support to collections managers, including communication with clients or vendors
• May perform other duties and projects as assigned.

Desired Skills

Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused environment, demonstrating expertise in customer service, financial analysis, and business operations. Intermediate-level skills in Microsoft Word and Excel, with the ability to learn additional tools through in-house training. Technical skill proficiency with Aderant, Chrome River, Workday, PayPal, MS Office Suite, and ARCS is a plus.

Strong verbal and written communication skills required to interact effectively with staff, attorneys, and clients. Ability to analyze financial data, research payments, and resolve discrepancies with accuracy. Capacity to maintain files and manage multiple tasks efficiently. Must be able to handle client objections and find solutions that benefit both the client and the company. Strong focus on accuracy in processing financial data and reporting. Adaptability in a fast-paced environment with the ability to work efficiently in a dynamic and deadline-driven setting.

Minimum Education

• High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred Education

• Associate's Degree.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 5 years of experience in a professional accounting role within collections, accounts receivable, or financial administration in a law firm.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce deliverables, answer phone calls, and reply to correspondence in an efficient and responsive manner.
• Provide timely, accurate, and quality work product.
• Successfully meet deadlines, expectations, and perform work duties as required.
• Foster positive work relationships.
• Comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activity, such as (a) working at a computer for extended periods of time, including on-screen reading and typing; (b) participating in digital/virtual conference calls; (c) participating in meetings as needed.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Work Environment

Disclaimer

Accommodation

The firm’s expected hiring range for this position is $34.08 - $53.17 per hour depending on the candidate’s geographic market location. Non-exempt positions will be paid on an hourly basis and paid overtime in accordance with applicable laws.

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