Accounts Receivable Analyst
Founded in 1966, Niterra North America, Inc. (formerly NGK Spark Plugs) is the world leader in technology, innovation, and world-class quality in the design of spark plugs and oxygen sensors. Today, that tradition continues as we transform our organization's portfolio, expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that leverage technology to address social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.
About the role
The Accounts Receivable Analyst will collaborate closely with the billing department and finance team to manage assigned account portfolios, generate accurate invoices, and follow up on overdue payments. This role involves reconciling customer payments, resolving discrepancies, initiating collection activity, and maintaining strong customer relationships to ensure timely payments. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of accounting principles, excellent communication skills, and the ability to analyze data effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Management of assigned portfolio of accounts across business units and distribution channels.
- Achieve past-due and discrepancy resolution performance to support corporate goals.
- Develop and maintain relationships with customers to ensure timely payments and discrepancy resolution.
- Work closely with the sales team to provide support on AR-related issues.
- Initiate collection activity on past-due items in a proactive and timely manner.
- Gain a thorough understanding of major customers' Accounts Payable processes and systems.
- Reconcile customer payments to ensure accurate posting to Accounts Receivable.
- Work with Niterra functional areas to identify opportunities to improve processes that affect AR.
- Respond to customer requests for copies of billing documents.
- Manually input invoices to customer portals as required.
- Perform retro billing adjustments to correct customer pricing on existing invoices as necessary.
- Process credit card payments.
- Act as backup for other A/R analysts and the Cash Application clerk as needed.
- Assist with special projects as required.
- Overtime and/or travel as required.
- Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including policies relating to IATF16949 and ISO14000.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED.
- Minimum of 2 years of general business experience in credit and collections, preferably in the automotive industry.
- SAP experience, specifically in AR, is required.
- Solid understanding of basic accounting principles.
- Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables.
- Able to organize and coordinate data from multiple sources using Excel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work in a team and interact with customers.
- Ability to work in a team environment to share best practices and cross-train all team members.
- Proven ability to negotiate customer payment to resolution.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Detail-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Able to adapt to changing priorities and work in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
- An associate's degree in accounting or finance is preferred.
- Experience with both OEM and Aftermarket customer portal systems is preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Able to see and hear (correctable).
- Able to communicate verbally.
- Able to use a computer keyboard.
- Able to sit for extended periods of time.
Potential Hazards
- Normal office hazards.
Benefits
- Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- Financial Security: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous company match of up to 6%.
- Time Off: Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Work-Life Balance: Paid maternity and paternity leave.