Billing Assistant (9 month fixed term contract)

The role:

The role is responsible for delivering an efficient and effective bill processing service ensuring a high-quality service in day-to-day work. The role requires accuracy strict compliance with VAT legislation and adherence to the firms policies and procedures in relation to billing credit notes time write-offs transfers and the maintenance of the firms financial data.

This role forms a part of the billing and revenue team in the UK covering billing for around 200 Partners in UK Ireland Belgium and US. The team consists of 5 revenue controllers and 8 billers based in the London and Bristol offices. We are a busy hardworking dedicated and efficient team who continually strive to deliver an excellent service to our internal customers.

What will you do:

• Build strong relationships to influence and improve the firms lock up cycle:

  • Delivering draft billing reports to Matter Partners (MPs) and following up on a timely basis to ensure that regular billing patterns are established and where possible monthly billing cycles taking care that any special client billing requirements are observed.

  • Accepting responsibility and taking ownership of minor operational issues finding practical solutions and escalating problems where appropriate.

  • Interacting with a wide range of contacts at different levels requiring an awareness of own impact on others and an adjustment of behaviour accordingly.

• Apply commercial logic to advise the business on best practice and to obtain the maximum financial benefit for the firm:

  • Providing commercial and legislative advice to Matter Partners and Matter Fee Earners as appropriate.

• Provide a quality service and ensuring that the team processes and objectives align with business needs:

  • Consistently sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues across offices.

  • Ensuring that all processes are carried out accurately and in a timely manner in line with agreed service levels.

  • Adhering to agreed best practices policies and processes whilst adapting to local requirements.

• Use technical expertise to provide a seamless billing service and ensuring compliance with the relevant Customs & Excise legislation the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering regulations:

  • Ensuring that draft bills and engrossed invoices are issued in line with the firms policies and procedures meeting all legislative regulations.

  • Resolving issues whilst ensuring that no significant delays occur.

  • Ensuring that relevant authorisation is obtained where appropriate in line with the firms policies.

  • Ensuring the effective application of special rates and arrangements on all matters and taking measures to diagnose and rectify errors.

• Input into key reports applying intermediate Excel functionality as necessary to provide the practice and finance managers with timely and relevant information:

  • Maintaining a report of cancelled and reissued invoices and logging of information for use in the financial audit.

  • Issuing ad hoc reports for both internal and external reporting needs.

What we are looking for:

• Experience in a Law firm environment with experience of billing processes preferred.

• To be able to demonstrate the application of best practice together with a commercial approach with regards to billing.

• To be able to demonstrate experience of building successful relationships.

• Excel skills to Intermediate level.

• Very good working use of Microsoft office.

• Ability to advise on system functionality and transactions.

• Ability to advise the business on and ensuring compliance with GAAP VAT legislation and the provisions of the Solicitors Accounts Rules and Money Laundering requirements.

• Hands on individual who is pro-active.

• Service orientated.

• Highly organised with the ability to manage a fast-paced workload.

• Able to prioritise workload to meet daily weekly monthly and annual deadlines.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to make appropriate decisions seeking advice and escalating issues where necessary.

• Must be open to change.

• Good negotiation and influencing skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively by adapting style of written and oral communication appropriately.

• Confident and professional approach.

• A team player who works collaboratively with others to provide quality support to the department and the firm.

• Able to work independently and effectively as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects using your influence to create positive impact for our clients society and the planet. We also ensure that everyones voice is heard from day one irrespective of job title qualification or background. Youll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities you will be provided with a platform to excel enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people regardless of their role and location with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops podcasts short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.

• We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firms mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities regardless of race ethnicity religion belief age disability sexual orientation sex gender reassignment gender identity marital status or pregnancy including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces along with their families.

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process please let us know so we can meet your needs.

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you dont meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

If youre interested in finding out more about this positionplease contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.