Billing & Revenue Controller
Job Description:
This role supports the effective management of the firm's end-to-end revenue cycle by delivering accurate and timely billing services, managing eBilling submissions, monitoring work in progress (WIP), and supporting debt collection activities.
Working closely with Partners, Fee Earners, clients and Finance colleagues, the Billing and Revenue Controller will proactively resolve billing issues, manage invoice queries, and remove obstacles that could delay revenue collection. The role will contribute to improved cash conversion, support working capital objectives, and maintain accurate revenue records and reporting.
The postholder will also provide flexible support across the Finance Department to ensure continuity of service during periods of annual leave or absence.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of matters through the billing and collection cycle, maintaining accurate records of correspondence, commitments and actions.
- Prepare draft bills, billing schedules and supporting information accurately and within agreed deadlines, liaising with Fee Earners to secure prompt review and approval.
- Process bill amendments, transfers, write-offs and matter closures in accordance with agreed controls and authorisation requirements.
- Monitor unbilled work in progress, identify billing blockers and work with Fee Earners to progress matters towards billing or appropriate resolution.
- Submit invoices through eBilling platforms and client portals accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with client billing guidelines and required data or supporting documentation.
- Monitor eBilling submissions, investigate and resolve invoice rejections, reductions, validation errors and other compliance issues, and maintain a clear audit trail through to acceptance.
- Provide invoice breakdowns, statements and supporting information to clients and respond promptly and professionally to billing and account queries.
- Actively manage outstanding debtors, following up overdue balances and agreed payment commitments in a professional and proportionate manner.
- Build effective working relationships with Partners, Fee Earners, clients and Finance colleagues to resolve billing and payment issues.
- Prepare and maintain accurate billing, debtor and WIP reports, highlighting overdue actions, exceptions, risks and emerging issues.
- Support regular debtor, WIP and billing reviews by preparing information, recording agreed actions and following up with action owners.
- Allocate and reconcile receipts where required, investigate unidentified or misallocated payments and support the maintenance of accurate client account records.
- Support the achievement of billing and cash collection targets, including increased activity at key reporting and year-end periods.
- Identify recurring billing, eBilling or collection issues and suggest practical improvements to processes, controls, reporting and ways of working.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Finance and the wider business, sharing knowledge and promoting consistent billing and revenue control practices.
- Undertake other Finance Department tasks as required and provide cover during periods of holiday or absence.
Knowledge, skills and experience
Technical knowledge
- A solid understanding of the core accounting principles.
- Competence in MS Office (particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook).
- Previous experience using Aderant is advantageous but not essential.
Skills and experience
- Previous experience in billing, revenue control, credit control or a similar finance role is essential; experience within a legal or professional services environment is desirable.
- Good understanding of the end-to-end revenue cycle, including WIP management, billing, collections, cash allocation and reporting.
- Experience of eBilling is advantageous, including the preparation, submission and monitoring of invoices through client billing portals, together with the ability to resolve validation errors, rejections and compliance queries.
- Strong attention to detail and numerical accuracy, with the ability to analyse and interpret billing data, financial information and client billing requirements.
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to work collaboratively with Partners, Fee Earners, clients and colleagues at all levels.
- Commercially aware, with sound judgement and a professional approach to billing, collections and client interactions.
- Strong organisational, problem-solving and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage competing deadlines and see tasks through to completion.
- Proactive, resilient and solutions-focused, with a strong sense of ownership and commitment to continuous improvement.
- Comfortable working with finance systems, practice management systems and client portals, with the ability to quickly learn new technologies and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and controls.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Accurate, conscientious and collaborative, with a positive approach to teamwork and knowledge sharing.
Required Skills:
Billing