Careers

About Ashurst

Ashurst is a leading progressive global law firm with a rich history spanning more than 200 years. We are proud of our history and are future-focused, having expanded into new technologies through our NewLaw division, Ashurst Advance, and our consulting arm. Our in-depth understanding of our clients and commitment to providing excellent standards of service have seen us become a trusted adviser to local and global corporates, financial institutions and governments in all areas of commercial law. To find out more please visit www.ashurst.com.

Department/Role overview

WIP Management is part of the firm's global Working Capital team based in Australia and UK.Manage & monitor Partner WIP review activity for a selection of practice groups.Monitor & support timely billing of WIP for the supply of legal services, with a view to reducing unbilled WIP levels, aged WIP and potential losses. A key focus will be to identify key roadblocks through regular WIP reviews, ensure root causes are resolved, complete billing forecasts and drive quality billing against target. Regularly liaising with relevant partners, business managers, finance managers to discuss progress.

Main responsibilities

• Establish and maintain relationships across the business with Partners, secretaries and business managers
• Attend regular WIP review meetings with Partners and secretaries to understand the nature of WIP balances and agree on appropriate billing actions
• Review Aged WIP, missed billing targets, high WIP/lockup days and coordinate escalations
• Monitor & complete billing forecasts/estimates and drive quality billing against target
• Support complex billing & E Billing challenges
• Coordinating reviews & billing pledges, update billing status for key matters/Clients
• Review & monitor processing timelines with agreed actions sanctioned by Partner
• Monitor non billable activity across out of scope work, overruns and disbursements
• Monitor WIP write off & write down activity
• Identify matters which require escalation to achieve billing action and relay information to the WIP Management manager.
• Analyse the Practice WIP ledgers to identify priorities and risks
• Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.
• Maintain and regularly update matter WIP activities in line with established best practice
• Prepare reports for major client accounts, partners or clients as requested
• Prepare and send WIP management related correspondence to internal clients
• Support WIP Review & pre billing processing, where required
• Attend WIP portfolio review meetings with WIP Management Manager to discuss outstanding issues
• Review Practice billing & reversal activity highlighting root causesv

Essential skills
and experience

• Previous experience working in a similar WIP management or a Billing role preferably in a legal or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of WIP processes, reporting, and risk management
• Experience of working in a law firm would be an advantage but not essential
• Excellent attention to detail
• Working knowledge of 3E practice management system or similar practice management syst.
• Ability to liaise at all levels and build strong relationships with internal clients
• Ability to negotiate suitable outcomes and possess practical problem solving skills
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and under pressure
• An organised and methodical approach to work.
• A team player - co-operative and flexible with other team members.
• Ability to work to targets and specific deadlines (individual and team)
• High degree of initiative and pro-activity
• Previous knowledge and understanding of SRA regulations
• Intermediate to advanced skills in Excel & Outlook
• Confident in working with Enterprise IT systems (ERPs, Elite 3e preferable)

Background checks

In order to comply with regulatory and client requirements, Ashurst will undertake appropriate vetting of staff. When applicants accept a job offer, Ashurst, alongside a specialist provider, will undertake professional verification and background checks. These checks are only undertaken with consent, and in accordance with our legal and regulatory obligations.

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