Cash Applications Manager

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Cash Applications Manager in the Finance department, reporting to the Director of Accounting/US Controller.

The role can reside in the Philadelphia or Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and will be responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the cash applications team ensuring the team is adhering to established policies and internal controls. Review and manage the workload of employees and additional outsourced staff, ensuring adequate coverage is maintained to meet Firm expectations.

The Cash Applications Manager will have regular direct contact with partners, attorneys, other staff and clients throughout the Firm and be expected to be the final point of contact and to resolve any and all issues relating to the application of cash payments received. The Cash Applications Manager is expected to manage and improve the efficiency of the department and to work on, as well as delegate, tasks assigned to the team. The Cash Applications Manager must fulfill the needs of the Firm in a manner which is consistent with the Firm’s Core Values.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, training and managing internal cash applications staff and on areas including, but not limited to, proper allocation of funds received, trust and retainer funds applications, client refunds and daily reporting.
• Provide active leadership and strategic oversight to continuously improve and innovate the function using technological advances.
• Ensure customer requirements and expectations are executed timely and accurately, along with verifying that issues are resolved. Promote positive department morale by interacting with the team in a consistently professional manner.
• Understands and complies with Regional statutory obligations. For example US state bar rules, Solicitors Accounts Rules, etc.
• Collaborate with Firm billing & collections staff, accounts payable and general ledger & audit staff.
• Document business processes for reference and consistent practice. Actively collaborates on strategic planning and procedural implementations for system upgrades/changes and process workflow.
• Creates and analyzes various reports and acts upon the data as appropriate.
• Develops departmental procedures and monitors systems of internal control.
• Serve as system administrator cash applications software systems and bank reporting.
• Supervises and reviews staff in the proper posting cash receipts and trust transactions in compliance with Firm accounting policies and procedures, internal controls, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Accounting/US controller and International Controller.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Degree or equivalent required in accounting, finance or related field preferred.
• 5+ years law firm cash applications experience at a supervisory level required.
• Experience with computerized accounting systems and databases required. Experience with Aderant and/or automated cash applications systems a plus.
• Advanced knowledge of Excel.
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office applications, including Word and Outlook.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate detailed and complex information to others.
• Aptitude for and willingness to work with complex procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to comprehend and follow written instructions and procedures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Willingness and ability to assume new tasks and responsibilities.
• Excellent judgment and common sense.
• Strong service orientation and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with users, peers, office and Firm management, and outside business partners.
• Ability to work well under pressure, facilitate solutions, and meet deadlines and milestones for projects assigned.
• Ability to work extended hours as necessary to fulfill time sensitive responsibilities.
• Commitment to professional growth and development.

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP participates in E-Verify for purposes of verifying employment eligibility