Senior Billing Specialist - Chicago Recruiting Location: US-IL-Chicago Department: Billing Summary The Senior Billing Specialist will assist attorneys in preparation of bills to clients and performs follow up action on past due client accounts. Provides administrative and accounting support to Attorneys and Accounting Department Staff. Answers billing questions and researches billing related issues, prepares and distributes billing proformas, invoices and billing related reports. Manages client accounts according to the billing agreements and performs necessary maintenance. Manages past due accounts and performs necessary follow up action. Acts as billing advisor to attorneys and ensures that all transactions are recorded according to accounting standards. Duties and Responsibilities Perform daily activities of the billing function in support of Partners and Clients, including Proforma generation and edits, creating timecard summaries, updating matter and Timekeeper rates, and running client reports at the request of the Partners and Attorneys. Ensure timeliness, accuracy, and acceptance of invoices on a monthly basis, showing tenacity and drive in following up with Billing Partners and others to resolve client billing issues. Understand and ensure correct implementation of client Outside Counsel Guidelines and client fee arrangements. Ensure electronic invoices (EDI) are processed accurately and efficiently. Must be highly detail-oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate professional and highly-developed communication skills, dealing professionally and courteously with attorneys, staff, vendors, and clients while observing confidentiality. Collaborate effectively with others within the billing team, finance team, and other firm groups and departments. Assist local or corporate billing management with special assignments/projects (such as testing, pilot programs, policy discussions, process improvements, etc.). Assist with training and mentoring of new employees and less experienced billing staff, effectively utilizing billing assistants to create efficiencies. Successfully manage the billing operations of the Firm's largest and most complex client relationships, acting in an advisory capacity to their attorneys on billing matters. Maintain administrative responsibilities (green sheets, UDF updates, electronic submissions/appeals, and unallocated balances). Other duties as assigned. Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Education and/or Experience: Required: A minimum of five years of experience as a billing specialist in a law firm. Highly skilled biller with thorough knowledge of 3E and E-billing systems. Demonstrated ability to manage the largest and most complex billing arrangements and ensure the highest quality and customer service. Aptitude for establishing operational efficiencies and creating best practices. Deep knowledge to serve as a mentor to other billers and to assist management with special project assignments. Other Skills and Abilities: Strong organizational skills. Strong attention to detail. Proofreads accurately. 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. J-18808-Ljbffr