Accounts Receivable / Accounts Payable & Collections Specialist

About the role

Houston, TX Onsite Our client is seeking a skilled and motivated AR/AP & Collections Specialist to support our growing Finance team. This role is ideal for a detail‑oriented professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and enjoys balancing transactional accounting, customer/vendor communication, and problem‑solving. You will manage moderate volume AP/AR processing, maintain accurate financial records, support collections efforts, evaluate credit risk, and partner closely with internal teams and external stakeholders. This is a hands‑on role with strong visibility and opportunities for growth as our organization continues to expand.

Responsibilities

• Review and verify vendor documentation, including contracts, agreements, invoices, W‑9s, and supporting records.
• Maintain accurate vendor profiles and payment information in the accounting system.
• Process a moderate volume of invoices (up to 30 per day), ensuring accurate coding to the appropriate GL accounts and cost centers.
• Ensure timely and accurate payments via check, ACH, or wire transfer.
• Respond to vendor inquiries regarding payment status and documentation requirements.
• Support AP activities during month‑end close, including accruals and reconciliations.
• Assist with annual 1099 preparation and reporting.
• Maintain customer master data and ensure accurate account setup.
• Generate and distribute invoices, statements, and supporting documentation.
• Process and record daily cash receipts; reconcile deposits to bank activity.
• Upload invoices and maintain customer information in payment portals.
• Monitor AR aging and maintain accurate records of outstanding balances.
• Research and resolve billing discrepancies, missing documentation, credits, refunds, and disputes.
• Provide timely responses to internal and external inquiries regarding account status.
• Manage assigned customer accounts and prioritize follow‑up on past‑due balances.
• Contact customers via phone and email to resolve overdue invoices and confirm payment commitments.
• Negotiate payment plans when appropriate and document all collection activity.
• Investigate and resolve disputed charges in collaboration with internal teams.
• Prepare regular reports on collection progress, overdue accounts, and payment trends.
• Evaluate customer creditworthiness using payment history, credit reports, and established credit limits.
• Recommend credit limit adjustments based on risk assessment and business needs.
• Apply sound judgment when managing moderately complex account situations.
• Support month‑end close activities related to AR/AP.
• Review account balances for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with annual financial audits and regulatory reviews by providing required documentation.
• Maintain organized financial records, files, and reports in compliance with internal controls.
• Partner with department heads, sales teams, and leadership to resolve billing issues and support business relationships.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounting processes, strengthen internal controls, and support automation initiatives.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Collections, or general accounting.
• High‑volume AP/AR processing experience required.
• Proficiency with accounting systems such as Sage 100, QuickBooks, or similar platforms strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Professional communication skills and a customer‑service mindset when working with vendors, customers, and internal teams.