Collections Clerk II - Finance Shared Services

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of customer accounts, including mid-to-high risk and complex accounts
• Review aging reports and proactively prioritize collection efforts to reduce past-due balances
• Conduct collection activities through phone calls, emails, and written correspondence to secure payment commitments and resolve delinquent accounts
• Negotiate payment arrangements and repayment plans within established company guidelines
• Monitor customer payment commitments and follow up on broken promises or overdue balances
• Investigate and resolve complex disputes, short payments, deductions, and billing discrepancies
• Perform detailed account reconciliations to ensure accurate outstanding balances and account records
• Identify recurring account issues and recommend corrective actions to improve collection outcomes
• Collaborate with Operations, Billing, Cash Applications, and other internal stakeholders to resolve account issues efficiently
• Assess customer payment behavior and identify potential credit or collection risks
• Escalate high-risk accounts, legal matters, bankruptcies, or accounts requiring write-offs to management
• Support recommendations regarding credit holds, account reviews, or account adjustments based on payment trends
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of collection activities, customer communications, and account status updates
• Aid in the preparation of aging reports, collection metrics, and departmental performance reporting
• Support month-end close activities and reporting requirements related to accounts receivable
• Provide guidance and support to junior team members, including onboarding and training assistance
• Identify opportunities to improve collection processes, workflows, and system efficiencies
• Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, and applicable regulations
• Perform other similar duties as required and assigned from time to time

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of accounts receivable, collections practices, and credit management principles
• Knowledge of collection strategies, customer account management, and dispute resolution techniques
• Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems such as Sage, VantagePoint, or similar platforms
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, lookups, and PivotTables
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to interpret financial information and identify payment trends or collection risks
• Resourcefulness in locating customer information through internal resources, business databases, and publicly available sources
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize competing responsibilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including professionalism in difficult customer interactions
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to mentor and support junior team members
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive financial information with discretion