Manager, Accounts Receivable

at  Osler Hoskin Harcourt LLP

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is one of Canada’s leading business law firms. Advising many of Canada’s corporate leaders, as well as U.S. and international parties with extensive interest in Canada, our more than 1,000 firm members are based in offices in Toronto, Montréal, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary and New York.
Osler prides itself on attracting and maintaining some of the brightest talent in the legal arena. Our lawyers, students, management and staff have created a unique firm culture which nurtures mentoring and the exchange of ideas. Osler is a dynamic and exciting place to further your career or carve out a new path.
The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the Firm’s collection of client accounts receivable. This position resides within the Finance department and reports directly to the Director, Client Billing Services (CBS). This is a manager position, where results are derived largely by effectively leading a team of dedicated collectors and working collaboratively with Finance colleagues and legal professionals.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience
The position requires a university degree in a business discipline, including some accounting and finance courses coupled with a minimum of 5 years of accounts receivable collection experience, in a supervisory capacity is also preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable. Collections experience within a professional services firm and prior management skills are desired.

Knowledge and Skills

• To be successful in this position, the successful candidate must be solution-oriented and able to work under pressure.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Professional presence required to effectively communicate with legal professionals and clients.
• Highly proficient in computer software programs such as Aderant, EHUB, Blackline, spreadsheet programs and database systems.
• Well-versed in industry standard credit and collections policies, systems and business process management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of provincial and federal collection laws.
• Maturity to interact with senior members of the Firm, to earn their trust and confidence.

For the safety of firm members and visitors, Osler is committed to complying with the recommendations of public health authorities, including with respect to adopting mandatory vaccination policies. Employment at Osler is therefore conditional on complying with any vaccination policies that Osler may adopt from time to time in response to the recommendations of public health authorities.
We are currently working in a hybrid work arrangement, which includes a requirement to work primarily in the office and flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.

• Develop and execute the strategy for client accounts receivable collection, tailored to the specific characteristics and risk profiles of individual portfolio segments.
• Monitor and manage aging reports, ensuring timely follow-up on overdue accounts.
• Prioritize collection efforts for the collections team, assign responsibilities and coach staff on effective, results oriented collection activities.
• Assign results-oriented targets to collections staff.
• Assist with analysis supporting accounting reserves and for presentation to firm management and external auditors.
• Manage the collection activities, along with Finance colleagues, with a focus to provide a high degree of customer service for both client and legal professionals.
• Provide day to day leadership to the accounts receivable department, including: recruitment (with support from HR), training and development, mentorship and guidance, performance management, and morale.
• Determine effective performance metrics and reporting to internal stakeholders.
• Develop and implement effective collection strategies to minimize days sales outstanding (DSO)
• Assist the Director, Client Billing Services with relevant analysis required to prepare reporting and analysis.
• Perform regular reconciliation of accounts receivable ledgers, including matching payments with invoices, investigating and resolving discrepancies, and maintaining accurate records
• Respect requirements for client confidentiality.