Accounts Payable Specialist at Katten in Chicago, Illinois

Job Description:

Katten is a full-service law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals.

Accounts Payable Specialist

The Accounts Payable Specialist is responsible for performing various client and Firm chargeable accounts payable functions including, but not limited to, entry of vendor invoices and vendor invoice upload files for detailed vendor bills to include foreign vendors, rent, airline charges and credit card payments.  The Accounts Payable Specialist maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Process both client chargeable items and Firm overhead expense items.  Investigate and resolve any issues that may arise during the procedure and make appropriate modifications.  Review supplier invoices to ensure sales and use taxes are recorded correctly in financial system.  Coordinate payment by processing checks and post to the accounting system.  Perform data entry for all types of payments.


• Audit, enter and process payment of foreign vendor invoices requiring payment in foreign currencies via wire payment through Chase banking services.


• Audit, enter and process payment to Chase credit card services requiring multiple entries for both Client and Firm charges.


• Audit, enter and process payment to American Express for travel related charges requiring multiple entries for both Client and Firm charges.


• Analyze and respond to both vendor and employee inquiries regarding payments in process and assist in resolving help desk inquiries.


• Additional responsibilities as requested.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a business internship is preferred.


• Computer and data entry proficient. Experience and working knowledge of legal accounting software, Excel, Outlook, and MS Word preferred.


• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.  Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.


• Analytical skills requiring an aptitude for detail and accuracy in order to analyze and audit attorney and employee expense reports, perform various accounts payable/receivable procedures, and respond to inquiries regarding reimbursements. 


• Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information.  Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish information in report format, written correspondence, e-mail, or verbally.


• Ability to adapt to changes in workflow and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment.


• Dependable team player who works collaboratively and cooperatively with others in a team-oriented environment.  Ability to act independently and make decisions within scope of the position’s responsibilities.  Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.


• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, verifying numerical data, and preparing various accounting reports.


• Possess excellent knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading, and formatting in order to interpret source data, perform data entry, proofread material for grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, and perform file maintenance.


• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer, laser/check printer, telephone, photocopier, calculator, facsimile, etc.


• Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds.


• Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential functions.

We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution, parental leave, transportation fringe benefit program, back-up care option, generous paid time off policy, and long-term and short-term disability policies.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

See Job Description