Ernesto Guerra
Houston
Summary
Dynamic Senior Accounting & Finance Systems Specialist with a proven track record at McDermott Will & Emery, excelling in e-billing systems and process optimization. Expert in financial reporting and client communication, I enhance billing accuracy and compliance, significantly reducing invoice rework and improving operational efficiency through effective teamwork and strategic insights.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Accounting & Finance Systems Specialist
McDermott Will & Emery
Houston
08.2023 - Current
- Configure, audit, and optimize matters, rates, task codes, billing templates, and approval workflows in Elite 3E (post-SRZ merger) to support accurate e-billing, WIP tracking, and compliance with client and firm policies, reducing downstream corrections and invoice rework.
- Standardized task code structures, currency settings, and billing setups across matters, supporting migrations to client e-billing platforms and reducing billing rejections, delays, and reporting inconsistencies.
- Processed and validated attorney time and expense entries, ensuring precise coding to clients, matters, phases, and task codes; assisted with draft billing cycles and pre-invoice adjustments, improving accuracy and minimizing write-offs.
- Partner with Finance, IT, and practice groups to define, validate, and refine reporting requirements, ensuring accurate WIP and billing data for month-end and year-end financial reporting.
- Provided frontline billing and system support to attorneys and administrative staff, developing and documenting best practices for time entry and narratives.
Billing Specialist
Hunton Andrews Kurth
Houston
01.2019 - 09.2023
- Reviewed and corrected time entry codes and billing codes across matters, ensuring accuracy in billing and revenue recognition.
- Audited and updated task codes, billing increments, and WIP balances within accounting systems, ensuring precise time tracking and compliance with firm and client standards.
- Conducted audits of time entries and narrative consistency, implementing corrections and system updates to improve data accuracy and maintain billing compliance.
- Restructured and standardized time entry narratives, applying approved billing increments and formatting to improve transparency and reduce client billing rejections.
- Generated and analyzed billing credit split and distribution reports for multiple client matters, facilitating accurate allocation and enhancing financial transparency.
E-Billing Specialist
Hunton Andrews Kurth
Houston
09.2021 - 08.2023
- Prepared, reviewed, and issued customer invoices by validating rates, billing terms, and supporting documentation to ensure accuracy and on-time delivery.
- Monitored accounts receivable aging reports and coordinated with customers to resolve payment delays, ensuring timely collection of past-due balances.
- Investigated and reconciled billing discrepancies by reviewing contracts, time/expense entries, and prior invoices, resolving customer inquiries efficiently.
- Maintained accurate financial records and facilitated month-end close by reconciling billing data and posting adjustments, contributing to precise financial reporting.
- Supported daily accounting operations by verifying invoice data and preparing audit documentation, ensuring compliance with internal policies and controls.
Records Management Specialist
Andrews Kurth
Houston
09.2014 - 01.2019
- Managed full records lifecycle, overseeing creation, retention, and timely destruction to ensure compliance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
- Developed, enforced, and documented records management policies, retention schedules, and procedures to ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
- Conducted regular audits and assessments to confirm accuracy, completeness, and compliance of records systems.
- Implemented and maintained secure physical and electronic filing systems, enhancing accurate classification and retrieval of records.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration
San Jacinto College
Pasadena, TX06-2028
Skills
- Billing compliance
- E-billing systems
- Financial reporting
- Data analysis
- Process optimization
- Aderant
- 3E
- SAP
- Automation tools
- Microsoft Office
- Business intelligence
- Records management
- Time management
- Client communication
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Systems due diligence
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Timeline
Senior Accounting & Finance Systems Specialist
McDermott Will & Emery
08.2023 - Current
E-Billing Specialist
Hunton Andrews Kurth
09.2021 - 08.2023
Billing Specialist
Hunton Andrews Kurth
01.2019 - 09.2023
Records Management Specialist
Andrews Kurth
09.2014 - 01.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Business Administration
San Jacinto College