Job Description

Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP is seeking a full-time Cash Applications Manager in their Phoenix or Winston-Salem office. The Cash Applications Manager is responsible for leading the firm’s end-to-end cash application function, ensuring the accurate and timely posting of client receipts across all payment channels. This role plays a critical part in maintaining the integrity of accounts receivable data, improving cash visibility, and supporting the firm’s overall working capital objectives.

The position combines operational leadership with process improvement, focusing on standardization, automation, and scalability across a multi-office environment. The Manager partners closely with Billing, Collections, Treasury, and Financial Systems to resolve complex payment issues, improve processes, and enhance the overall client experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Cash Application Operations

• Oversee daily cash application activities across all payment channels, including lockbox, ACH, wire, credit card, and electronic billing platforms.
• Ensure timely and accurate posting of receipts to client matters and general ledger accounts.
• Manage the identification and resolution of unapplied and misapplied cash, including complex or high-value transactions.
• Establish and enforce standard procedures for payment processing, remittance handling, and posting protocols.
• Partner with Billing and Collections teams to resolve payment discrepancies, short pays, and client inquiries.

Process Improvement and Automation

• Lead initiatives to streamline and standardize cash application workflows across offices.
• Identify and implement automation opportunities, including integration with bank feeds, lockbox services, and ERP systems.
• Reduce manual processing through improved remittance capture and payment matching tools.
• Develop and maintain scalable processes to support firm growth without proportional increases in headcount.

Controls and Reconciliation

• Ensure completeness and accuracy of cash postings through daily balancing and reconciliation processes.
• Partner with Finance and Treasury to ensure accurate bank reconciliations and timely resolution of cash-related discrepancies.
• Maintain strong internal controls, including segregation of duties and audit-ready documentation.

Reporting and Analytics

• Track and report on key performance indicators, including timeliness of cash posting, volume and aging of unapplied cash, and posting accuracy and exception rates.
• Partner with Financial Systems to develop dashboards and reporting to provide visibility into cash application performance and trends.
• Analyze payment patterns and recommend improvements to processes, policies, and client onboarding practices.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of cash application professionals.
• Establish clear performance expectations, service levels, and accountability standards.
• Provide training on systems, procedures, and best practice.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or equivalent experience.
• Progressive experience in cash applications, accounts receivable, or related finance operations within a law firm or professional services environment (typically 5+ years).
• Prior people management experience or demonstrated ability to lead teams, establish performance metrics, and drive operational outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement, system implementations, or automation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and receivables processes.
• Advanced Excel and data analysis skills.
• Experience with financial systems such as Aderant, Elite, or comparable ERP platforms.
• Familiarity with electronic payment systems, lockbox processing, and banking platforms.
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Process improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to partner across functions.

The national average salary range for this role is $67,000 - $92,000. Starting salary will be determined based on location, qualifications and experience.