Description
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
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.
Role / Department Overview
Credit Control is part of the firm's Global Working Capital team based in Australia and UK.
Manage the credit control function for a selection of the firm's practice groups and strategic national clients. Facilitate the timely collection of amounts due and payable for the supply of legal services, with a view to reducing debt levels, debt aging and potential losses.
Main Responsibilites
- Establish and maintain relationships across the business with Partners, secretaries and business managers .
- Attend regular debtor review meetings with Partners and secretaries to understand the nature of debts, agree on appropriate collection actions and escalate debt issues.
- Analyse the debtors ledger to identify priorities and risks.
- Follow-up clients to progress payment of outstanding debts in order to improve cashflow and reduce debtor days
- Identify matters which require escalation to achieve payment and relay information to the Credit Control Lead.
- Contribute to the monthly cash flow forecasting process.
Administration
- Maintain and regularly update collection activities in Elite 3e in line with established best practice.
- Prepare reports for major clients accounts, partners or clients as requested.
- Prepare and send collections related correspondence to internal and external clients.
- Organise refunds to clients and investigate unidentified payments.
- Assist cash receipting operations.
- Maintain up to date client information in Elite 3E.
- Attend ledger review meetings with Credit Control Lead to discuss outstanding issues
- Risk and Control: Ensure that all activities and duties are carried out in full compliance with our regulatory requirements and internal policies.
Essential Skills And Experience
- A minimum of 3 years' experience working in a similar Credit/Collections role
- Experience of working in a law firm would be an advantage but not essential
- Excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) including a confident telephone manner, tactful and diplomatic when under pressure.
- Ability to liaise at all levels and build strong relationships with both internal and external 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
- Knowledge of Debt Recovery procedures
- Some knowledge of insolvency procedures advantageous
- Intermediate to advanced skills in Excel & Outlook
- Confident in working with Enterprise IT systems (ERPs, Elite 3e preferable)