Collections Director

New York, NY 

Summary

The Collections Director is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the firm’s global collections strategy and execution, with a focus on accelerating cash flow, reducing aged receivables, and strengthening partner accountability while preserving client relationships. This role leads the Collections function within a complex, high‑volume environment, and partners closely with Billing, Pricing, Partners, Finance, Revenue Management, and Client Operations to optimize revenue realization.

The Director of Collections provides strategic direction, operational oversight, and hands‑on leadership across people, process, and systems, with deep expertise in law firm collections practices, partner engagement models, and financial systems, including Aderant. 

Responsibilities

Collections Strategy & Revenue Optimization

• Own the firm’s end‑to‑end collections strategy, driving timely collection of accounts receivable while balancing client relationships and firm risk.
• Establish and monitor collection targets, KPIs, and aging benchmarks, providing regular reporting to firm leadership.
• Develop proactive, segmented collection approaches based on client type, risk profile, and matter characteristics.
• Identify systemic issues impacting collections (e.g., billing delays, fee arrangement complexity, client guideline compliance) and partner with cross‑functional teams to resolve root causes.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop Senior Collections Manager, Collections Manager, Supervisors, and Specialists, fostering a high‑performance, accountable, and service‑oriented culture.
• Establish staffing models, performance expectations, escalation protocols, and training standards across the Collections function.
• Drive succession planning and organizational development within the Collections team.

Partner & Client Engagement

• Serve as a senior escalation point for complex or sensitive collection matters involving partners, key clients, or significant aged balances.
• Partner with practice group leadership to reinforce shared accountability for collections and promote best practices in partner‑led outreach.
• Collaborate with partners and clients to resolve disputes, negotiate payment timing, and address collection obstacles while maintaining strong client relationships.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Revenue Management, Billing, and eBilling leadership to ensure timely, accurate invoicing and smooth handoffs from billing to collections.
• Partner with Pricing to ensure fee arrangements, alternative fee structures, and client terms support effective collection outcomes.
• Collaborate with Finance, Client Operations, and Data Governance to align collections strategy with firmwide financial objectives and policies.

Systems, Reporting & Controls

• Oversee collections workflows and reporting within Aderant and related financial systems, ensuring data integrity, transparency, and actionable insights.
• Implement and refine collections policies, procedures, and internal controls to support consistency and compliance.
• Provide regular, data‑driven reporting and analysis to senior leadership on AR trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Lead the collections forecasting process, including the planning and execution of targeted collection campaigns throughout the year.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certification preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in law firm collections, revenue management, or finance, with significant experience in an AMLaw or large professional services environment.
• Demonstrated success leading collections teams and driving measurable improvements in cash flow and aged receivables.
• Deep understanding of law firm billing and collections practices, partner engagement models, and client relationship dynamics.
• Strong systems expertise, including Aderant and advanced AR reporting and analytics tools.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to influence senior partners and firm leadership.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and analytical mindset with strong financial acumen
• Executive‑level communication and diplomacy
• Results‑driven leadership and team development
• Process improvement and change management
• Client‑centric approach with a firmwide perspective 

Compensation

• $285,000.00-$315,000.00 annually plus bonus. 

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