Our people define us. In an increasingly complex and challenging business environment, we're responsive to our people's needs.We're focused on attracting and retaining top talent.
We are looking for a Billing Assistant to join our Finance department
in Bristol. This 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 firm’s policies and procedures,
in relation to billing, credit notes, time write-offs, transfers, and
the maintenance of the firm’s financial data.
Main duties and responsibilities
Building strong relationships to influence and improve the
firm’s 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.
Applying 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.
Providing 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.
Using 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 firm’s 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 firm’s 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.
Person specification
Education / qualifications / experience
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.
Knowledge and technical skills
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.
Here at Simmons & Simmons
We believe our people define us. Our working environment is genuinely
collegiate with a supportive atmosphere and team ethos – we have a
reputation for being a friendly culture which we are very proud of.
Flexible working, an inclusive and diverse culture, our innovative
approach and being truly international are just a few more things that
make us, us.
Below are a few more reasons to consider Simmons & Simmons for
your next career move:
Competitive benefits package
All year round dress down
International offices including: Hong Kong; Dubai; Tokyo; Dublin;
Milan; Bristol; Madrid; Singapore to name a few
Generous employee referral bonus program
All offices have their own artwork collections – we have a Damien
Hurst and a Tracey Emin in the London office
We were ranked as a Stonewall Top Global Employer in 2020 for the
fifth year running.
We have recently acquired Wavelength (the first regulated legal
engineering firm in the world) which highlights our invested
interest in innovation.