Simge Cankaya

Highly experienced Working Capital Controller and Billing Specialist with strong expertise in financial operations, billing oversight, matter management, and working capital optimisation across Türkiye, UAE and UK-based international law firms. Skilled in 3E Elite, Intapp, and major e-billing platforms. Recognised for precision, reliability, strong communication skills, and the ability to deliver results in fast-paced, high-volume environments.

Working Capital Controller at A&O Shearman Sterling LLP (2024-04 – 2026-04)

• Conduct Partner and Managing Associate billing meetings, ensuring aligned expectations and timely billing actions.
• Ensure new matters are opened in full compliance with client engagement terms, pricing structures and internal policies.
• Conduct detailed finance review and input stages in Intapp, ensuring data accuracy and correct pricing structures.
• Update and maintain accurate matter and billing information.
• Prepare, amend and finalise pre-bill guides, draft invoices and billing breakdowns.
• Amend attachments and billing breakdowns including transfers, time splits and adjustments.
• Experienced in 3E Elite including matter financial review, invoice preparation, adjustments and workflow management.
• Prepare and maintain Matter Review Reports, providing Partners with visibility into financial performance and billing readiness.
• Update matters based on e-billing validation reports.
• Produce periodic billing and financial reports, supporting decision-making and visibility of working capital performance.
• Interact proactively with Partners and Fee Earners, supporting them with billing requirements and resolving queries efficiently.
• Chase outstanding draft bills and follow up with Partners/Managing Associates Chase to ensure smooth workflow and timely issuance.
• Monitor, prioritize, and take action on billing-related requests received via email, ensuring timely and accurate resolution.
• Prepare PDF bills.
• Cancel invoices, prepare credit notes and reissue corrected bills same-day where needed.
• Process time/cost transfers and write-offs in accordance with firm policy.
• Maintain structured filing of all bill papers, cancelled invoices and credit notes.
• Analyse matter financials and escalate issues early where needed.
• Liaise with offshore billing teams to ensure workflow consistency.
• Collaborate with the collections team to support billing-to-cash processes.

Billing Coordinator at ELIG Gürkaynak Law Firm (2016-09 – 2024-03)

• Oversaw billing operations for one of Turkey's leading competition law firms with 95 lawyers and a prestigious international client base.
• Supervised a team of three Billing Assistants, ensuring efficient workflow management.
• Ensured accurate client billing and collaborated with accounting to maintain accounts receivable.
• Submission of invoices to e-billing platforms
• Handled client billing inquiries on discounts, write-offs, fixed fees, caps, VAT and withholding tax.
• Conducted daily accounts receivable follow-ups and collections.
• Processed invoices using major e-billing platforms including Legal Tracker/Serengeti, CounselGo, CounselLink, Collaborati, Brightflag and Tymetrix 365.
• Provided clients with WIP, accruals and financial reports.
• Maintained billing records and client information.

Legal Assistant at Fahri Jacob Solicitors (2010-04 – 2016-05)

• Supported Family Law and Housing Law matters within a busy practice.
• Drafted confidential correspondence and legal documentation.
• Provided translation and interpretation for Turkish-speaking clients.
• Prepared legal bundles, forms, case files and conducted research.
• Attended court hearings and client meetings.
• Handled billing processes including time entry and invoice preparation.

Outdoor Legal Clerk at Joseph Hill Solicitors (2004-02 – 2005-03)

• Attended court hearings including the Old Bailey, taking detailed notes for solicitors.
• Liaised with barristers, attended chambers conferences and supported clients.
• Developed strong time management and organisational skills under pressure.

LLB (Hons) in Human Rights Law, EU Law, Criminal Law – London Metropolitan University (2004 – 2005)

Vocational A-Level (Advanced) in Travel & Tourism – Broomfield Sixth Form (2000 – 2002)

GCSEs – Broomfield Secondary School (1995 – 2000)