Billing Specialist

Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP is a leading national law firm focused on serving the transaction, advocacy and advisory needs of Canada’s most dynamic business sectors. We have one of the largest business law practices in the country, serving multinational, national and mid-market clients from our offices in Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary.

At Cassels, our mission is to attract, retain and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from as broad a range of backgrounds as possible. We offer meaningful career opportunities, invest in professional growth, and foster an inclusive environment. Our Firm’s success is built on the unique skills, perspectives, experiences and values of each individual. We encourage a corporate culture that respects and celebrates the dignity, value and diversity of all.

Our Calgary office is currently recruiting for a Billing Specialist in our Accounting Department, reporting to the Team Lead, Billing. As our Billing Specialist, you ll play a pivotal role in efficiently processing proformas and final billings for the assigned Practice Group Billing Lawyers. Attention to detail, exceptional organizational skills, and a strong dedication to providing outstanding internal and external client service are paramount for success in this role.

• Serving as the central contact/liaison for the financial needs of a client’s account.
• Building and maintaining effective working relationships with billing lawyers, legal assistants, and external clients, and responding to any queries regarding the billing process.
• Working closely with lawyers to initiate and prepare client bills and manage work in progress (WIP).
• Acting as a monitor for specific clients and/or matters when Alternate Fee Arrangements are in place, providing reports and ensuring compliance with all special arrangements.
• Preparing and processing all client billings, including:
  • Preparing and printing to PDF monthly proformas for assigned lawyers.
  • Reviewing WIP and client/matter billing instructions on proforma to ensure compliance with client and matter billing requirements prior to processing invoices.
  • Reviewing and determining tax application for client invoices.
  • Processing and editing proformas to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Transferring time/disbursements according to lawyers  instructions and Firm guidelines and billing procedures.
  • Circulating proformas to billing lawyers for review and approval and make necessary adjustments as requested.
  • Preparing final invoices for lawyer’s approval and submitting to clients.
• Completing a variety of miscellaneous billing duties including write-offs, transfers of WIP, generating proformas, reversing invoices, multi-payor invoices set up, creating billing group and revaluing WIP.
• Assisting with the training of billing staff and legal assistants on the billing process, as required.
• Generating ad hoc billing client/matter reports.
• Assisting with the year-end audit requirements, as required.
• Monitoring and managing shared billing team inbox.
• Providing backup to other Billing Specialists, as required.
• Assisting with special projects and other duties as assigned.

• Post-secondary diploma or degree in accounting.
• 3-5 years of related work experience, with a preference for those candidates with previous professional services experience, experience in a law firm is an asset.
• Consideration will be given to applicants with prior legal assistant billing experience.
• Proficiency with technology including Windows applications (Word, Excel and Outlook).
• Working knowledge of a recognized accounting system software.
• General knowledge of legal and accounting terminology, accounting principles and professional services billing processes.
• Legal industry experience including knowledge of Tax rules.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; capacity to demonstrate tact and diplomacy when dealing with internal and external clients.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure to…