Firmwide Accounts Payable 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 Firmwide Accounts Payable Manager in the Finance department, reporting to the Director of Accounting/US Controller.

The role can reside in the New York, Philadelphia or Washington, DC office with hybrid work capabilities and will be responsible for managing and overseeing the day-to-day operations of Accounts Payable and Expense Reimbursement; including payment processing to ensure that expenditure authority, purchasing, travel and hospitality policies are enforced. Review and manage the workload of four employees and additional outsourced staff, ensuring adequate coverage is maintained to meet payment terms and customer expectations.

The Firmwide Accounts Payable Manager will have regular direct contact with partners, attorneys and other staff in all offices and be expected to forge relationships with key individuals to serve as the first point of contact for financial and accounting related matters concerning across the Firm. The Accounts Payable Manager is expected to maintain expertise in the tasks or services provided by the department and to work on, as well as delegate, tasks assigned to the team.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Responsible for providing hiring, onboarding, staffing, training and providing assistance to Accounts Payable staff and Firm end users on areas including, but not limited to, payment processing, travel procedures, expense reimbursement. Provide active leadership and strategic oversight to foster a customer-focused environment interacting with a variety of sources including departments, suppliers, peers, accounts payable staff, and management.
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal rules, tax regulations and guidelines as they relate to Accounts Payable. Collaborate with Firm billing & collections staff, general ledger & audit staff and tax department staff.
• Responsible for identifying regulations and other fiscal compliance requirements in the area of accounts payable and travel that must be adhered to and implement policies and procedures to ensure Firm compliance.
• Document business processes for reference and consistent practice. Actively collaborates on strategic planning and procedural implementations for system upgrades/changes and process workflow.
• Generate a variety of reports for analysis of data and/or distribution to management; receives and analyzes various reports and acts upon the data as appropriate.
• Assists in the planning, program management and coordination of the Firm travel program, including developing and updating policies and procedures, Firm user guides, training programs, oversight of the Firm Credit Card Programs, identify opportunities to realize cost savings and ensure compliance with all Firm, state, and federal legal requirements.
• Serve as system administrator and point of contact for the Chrome River Expense Reimbursement and Invoice system, including, maintenance of audit rules, account maintenance, approval workflow, reporting and Firm functional support.
• Review and audit a high volume of complex invoices for appropriateness of payment, interpretation and application of accounting policies and procedures, internal controls, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Review and approve wire transfer payments within the Firm banking institutions.
• Aid in the continual monitoring of the Chrome River system ensuring that functionality is fully tested and that all implementation and upgrade projects remain on target.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Accounting/US Controller which may entail research, documentation of department and Firm procedures to ensure proper internal controls are in place, additional account analysis and reconciliations, implementation of various systems to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of department operations, and draft and facilitate Firm-wide training over various subjects related to accounts payable, expense reimbursement and travel policies.
• 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.
• Respond to written and telephone enquiries from attorneys, staff and vendors ensuring that they are answered as soon as possible with particular attention to adherence to Firm policy.
• Maintain a professional and courteous manner at all times, contribute to constructive resolution of conflicts within the department and between the department and others in the Firm.
• Participate in monthly interdepartmental calls and with outsourced staff.
• Coordinate and work as a team with other departments to provide necessary services to lawyers, staff and vendors.
• Ensure proper orientation is provided for all new attorneys, paralegals and staff in regard to accounting and finance policies and procedures.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Degree or equivalent required in accounting, finance or related field preferred.
• 5+ years professional services accounting experience at a supervisory level required.
• Experience with computerized accounting systems and databases required. Experience with Aderant and/or Chrome River 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.

The base salary range for this position in New York is $110,000 to $150,000. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

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