Collection Specialist

For over 78 years, Purvis Industries has been proud to be a family owned and operated industrial distributor. From the beginning, Purvis was founded on service. As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our commitment to exceeding customer expectations by providing top tier manufacturers, exceptional product knowledge, and the right products available at our local branches. Today, the company has 103 locations in 18 states and is one of the largest independent bearing and power transmission distributors in the country.

About the role

This role supports company cash flow while maintaining positive customer relationships. The Collection Specialist is responsible for managing past-due accounts, contacting customers to collect outstanding balances, and resolving billing issues to ensure timely payment.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned customer portfolio and monitor outstanding balances.
• Review AR aging reports daily/weekly and prioritize past-due accounts.
• Contact customers by phone and email regarding overdue invoices and payment status.
• Follow up on promised payments and document the outcome.
• Research invoice issues, including pricing discrepancies, missing POs, short pays, credits, and disputes.
• Resolve customer disputes by coordinating with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Billing.
• Monitor payment commitments and escalate broken promises when necessary.
• Process and reconcile account activity, including payments, credits, and adjustments.
• Maintain accurate collection notes documenting (what, where, when, and how) of each account situation.
• Identify credit-risk concerns and communicate accounts that may require a credit hold or management review.
• Work with the credit team on credit limits, payment terms, and release decisions.
• Reduce past-due balances and DSO by proactively collecting before invoices become significantly delinquent.
• Prepare reports and metrics such as past-due balances, collection effectiveness, aging trends, and promised-payment performance.
• Maintain professional customer relationships while remaining firm about payment expectations.
• Escalate high-risk or seriously delinquent accounts according to company policy.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred)
• 1–3 years of collections or accounts receivable experience
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to handle difficult conversations professionally
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience with ERP or accounting systems
• Knowledge of collection laws and best practices
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines

Key Competencies

• Collections and follow-up
• Customer service
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Attention to detail

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401(k) enrollment
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account

You will be a valued member of a stable and established company. We are committed to our employees' professional development and will provide ongoing training and opportunities for career advancement. Purvis Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes a drug free workplace.