Billing Assistant

The role:

We are looking for a Billing Assistant to join our Finance department.

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.

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.

• Ability to interact with colleagues of all levels.

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

• Flexibility and a willingness to work additional hours on occasion as required.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 2. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework which ranges from level 1 to level 7 clearly defines the responsibilities skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons we are proud of our collaborative open and non-hierarchical culture where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one irrespective of job title qualification or background everyones voice is heard and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities you will have a platform to excel exceed your career ambitions and achieve things you never thought 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 are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality 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.

• Our in-house generative AI tool Percy won the Innovation in Automation and AI Tools category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction employment and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

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.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore if you are interested please submit your application as early as possible.

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 top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.