AR & Collections Manager/Supervisor

Title: AR & Collections Manager Location: Chicago, IL Hire Type: Contract, Contract-to-Hire or Direct Hire options available Compensation: $70,000-$90,000 annually Benefits: Full Benefits Available Must have Skill Set: Bilingual English/Spanish; 10+ years of credit and collections experience; accounts receivable management; credit risk assessment; collections strategy; team leadership; manufacturing or distribution experience preferred. Overview: The Credit and Collections Manager will oversee credit, collections, and accounts receivable operations for an established food manufacturing and distribution organization. This position is responsible for managing customer credit risk, optimizing collection processes, maintaining accurate receivables, and improving cash flow performance. The successful candidate will lead the AR and billing team, establish and monitor credit limits, resolve payment disputes, and implement strategies to reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). The role requires a proactive, analytical leader with strong communication and negotiation skills who can collaborate across departments, improve financial processes, and maintain positive customer relationships. Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills are required, and manufacturing or distribution experience is highly preferred. Job Duties: Lead and manage the accounts receivable, billing, and collections team to ensure accurate and timely completion of departmental responsibilities.Oversee accounts receivable reconciliation, invoicing, collections, and customer account management.Review credit applications, evaluate customer creditworthiness, and establish appropriate credit limits and payment terms.Monitor customer payment history, credit scores, and outstanding balances to identify and mitigate financial risk.Investigate major customer credit applications and determine appropriate trade credit thresholds.Manage collection calls, letters, reminders, and follow-up activities to secure timely payments.Resolve invoice discrepancies and payment disputes while maintaining strong customer relationships.Establish collection goals and implement strategies to reduce past-due balances and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).Develop KPI reports and dashboards to monitor collections performance, credit exposure, and departmental effectiveness.Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, automate processes, and improve credit and collections policies.Partner with Accounting, Sales, Finance, and Operations to support cash flow forecasting and manage customer credit exposure.Present departmental performance updates and improvement recommendations to senior management and executive leadership.Ensure appropriate staffing, training, and resources are available to maintain efficient departmental operations. Qualifications: 10+ years of credit and collections experience.Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills required.Experience managing an AR, billing, or collections team and overseeing departmental performance.Strong knowledge of credit analysis, customer creditworthiness, credit limits, payment terms, and collections practices.Experience negotiating payment arrangements and resolving customer account disputes.Knowledge of credit-related laws, regulations, and risk management practices.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, with experience using QuickBooks Enterprise, NetSuite, CRM, and ERP systems preferred.Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly in customer negotiations.Ability to work independently, lead a team, and collaborate effectively across departments.Bachelor's degree in Business or a related field preferred.Manufacturing, food production, wholesale, or distribution experience highly preferred. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.