Accounts Payable - Legal Industry

Description Company Overview:Our client is a prestigious and well-established law firm with a national presence, known for delivering top-tier legal services across multiple practice areas. Due to rapid growth and an increasing workload, the firm is seeking a skilled Accounts Payable Specialist on a contract basis to assist their finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a high-profile legal environment with a focus on precision, compliance, and efficiency.Position Overview:The Accounts Payable Specialist will be responsible for managing all aspects of the firm’s AP process, including vendor invoice management, expense reporting, and payment processing. The successful candidate will bring a background in law firm accounting or professional services and have the ability to operate effectively in a deadline-driven, fast-paced environment. Familiarity with legal-specific accounting software is a plus.Key Responsibilities:

Invoice Processing: Accurately review and process vendor invoices, ensuring all necessary approvals are in place and coding is accurate according to firm policies.

Vendor Relations: Communicate with vendors to reconcile account balances, resolve discrepancies, and answer payment inquiries promptly and professionally.

Expense Management: Review, audit, and process attorney and staff expense reports in accordance with firm policies, ensuring proper approvals and documentation.

Payment Disbursement: Prepare and execute weekly payments through checks, ACH, and wire transfers, ensuring timely and accurate vendor payment processing.

Reconciliation: Conduct monthly reconciliation of the accounts payable ledger, ensuring that all payments are accounted for and posted correctly.

Audit Support: Assist with internal and external audits by providing accounts payable reports, documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and firm guidelines.

Reporting & Month-End Close: Assist in the month-end closing process by preparing AP accruals, generating reports, and analyzing accounts payable metrics.

Legal Software Utilization: Enter and track invoices and payments using legal accounting software (e.g., Elite, Aderant, or similar), ensuring the firm’s legal-specific financial tracking requirements are met.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience:

Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounts payable, ideally within a law firm or other professional services environment.

Previous experience handling high-volume invoice processing in a deadline-oriented setting.

Technical Skills:

Proficient in legal industry accounting software (e.g., Elite, Aderant, or similar).

Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including proficiency in formulas, pivot tables, and vLookups.

Familiarity with eBilling systems is a plus.

Knowledge: Strong understanding of legal billing practices and familiarity with ABA (American Bar Association) guidelines.

Soft Skills:

Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to interact with both legal professionals and vendors.

Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet tight deadlines in a high-stakes environment.

Work Environment:This position is on-site at the firm’s headquarters and will require regular interaction with attorneys, legal staff, and vendors. The ideal candidate should be comfortable operating in a fast-paced legal environment with high expectations for accuracy and confidentiality.Why You Should Apply:

Gain valuable experience working with a leading national law firm.

Competitive pay rate with the potential for contract extension or permanent placement.

Join a collaborative and dynamic finance team focused on excellence.

Access to Robert Half’s comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.

Weekly pay and opportunities for career growth through Robert Half’s extensive legal network.

About Robert Half:Robert Half is a global leader in professional staffing services, connecting top-tier talent with leading organizations in industries such as accounting and finance, legal, administrative, technology, and more. With over 70 years of experience, we provide skilled professionals and offer exceptional career opportunities through our expansive network.Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/mobile-app) and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.© 2024 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use (https://www.roberthalf.com/us/en/terms) .