Billing Manager

The role:

We are looking for a Billing Manager to join our Finance department in Bristol.

Responsibility for the management of billing cycles covering the firm’s UK managed entities including Dublin and the US office. Delivering efficient and effective billing and related processes to the business and ensuring a high-quality service.  This includes responsibility for anticipating requirements, monitoring service levels, addressing issues, and ensuring that the UK Billing team is managed effectively. The role also requires the successful candidate to work collaboratively with the wider finance team (notably Revenue Controllers, Accounts Payable, Cashiers and Credit Control) and to take the lead on helping improve and streamline finance processes as a whole.

This role requires strong stakeholder management, good attention to detail, the ability to effectively manage a team (as well as ensure efficient and effective process management) and to be able to lead on change initiatives. You will provide proactive feedback, updates, and the escalation of any issues on a regular basis to the Revenue Manager and UK Chief Financial Officer. You will be one of the main points of contact for our clients and client/matter partners within the firm and will proactively liaise with the business to make efficiencies, improve service levels, build capacity within the finance team and advise the business on acknowledged best practice to adhere to clients’ requirements and billing guidelines.

What will you do:

Use technical expertise and build effective relationships to ensure compliance of commercial terms and outside counsel guidelines:

• Proactively work with Partners and the wider business to review/improve the end-to-end billing processes, identifying/implementing improvements and building capacity.

• Adhering to agreed best practices, policies and processes whilst adapting to local requirements.

• Pro-active involvement and co-ordination in the firms audit and taking ownership of the relevant work streams assigned.

• Liaising with the Cashiers team regarding the allocation of receipts, AP with regards to disbursement processing and with the billing and eBilling teams regarding billing, credit notes and re-issued invoices, to confirm the accuracy of the information used in financial analysis and reporting.

Provide a quality service and ensuring that the team processes and objectives align with business needs:

• Responsible for managing a team of 7 Billing Assistants. Providing constructive feedback and encouragement to ensure that team members are motivated, learn new skills, gain experience and develop in line with the firm’s appraisal and competencies processes. Consistently sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues.

• Organise month end billing deadlines, send billing updates to Revenue Controllers to keep their departments informed of where they are against month and year to date budgets.

• Reporting to the Revenue Manager, UK CFO and the business on progress against monthly billing targets.

• Ensuring that all processes are carried out accurately and in a timely manner, in line with agreed client outside counsel guidelines and internal service levels. Continuous monitoring of the service levels provided by the team, in particular turn-around times, accuracy, and quality of service.

• Ensuring that regular billing patterns, and where possible monthly billing cycles are established, taking care that any special billing arrangements are observed.

• Accepting responsibility and taking ownership of operational issues, finding practical solutions and escalating problems where appropriate.

Apply commercial logic to advise the business on best practice to obtain the maximum financial benefit for the firm:

• Providing commercial and legislative advice as appropriate.  Obtaining relevant feedback to advise on improvements to the processes of the team and actively promoting the finance function.

What we are looking for:

• Extensive experience and strong understanding of Billing and related processes.

• Experience of delivering process change /transformation.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data quality.

• Experience of managing and motivating teams.

• Comfortable with working under pressure and to tight deadlines.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Solution orientated and Commercially driven.

Career Level:

The career level assigned to this role is level 3. The career level framework provides a formal structure for the business services functions at the firm. The framework, which ranges from level 1 to level 7, clearly defines the responsibilities, skills and competencies required at each level.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

At Simmons, we are proud of our collaborative, open and non-hierarchical culture, where everyone is treated with respect and dignity and the wellbeing of our people is paramount. Our dynamic minds work as one integrated team, partnering with leading organisations on inspirational and thought-provoking projects that matter. From day one, irrespective of job title, qualification or background, everyone’s voice is heard, and you are encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will have a platform to excel, exceed your career ambitions, and achieve things you never thought possible.

Some key information: 

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.

• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).

• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.

• We are proud to rank as a Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality, a Stonewall Top Global Employer, and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.

• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.

• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.

• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.

• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our business plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

• Our in-house generative AI tool, Percy, won the ‘Innovation in Automation and AI Tools’ category at the 2024 FT Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards. This achievement highlights our commitment to technological innovation and client service.

• We have been commended in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 across three categories: construction, employment, and intellectual property. Our profile is highly positive, highlighting our sector specialisms and notable case and transactional work.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to: 

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families. 

• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require. 

• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs. 

• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team. To apply for the role, click on the link at the top of the page or visit our careers page for more details.