Credit & Collections Analyst

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of Northeast-region customer accounts to ensure timely collection of outstanding balances.
• Contact customers regarding past-due invoices through phone calls, emails, and other communication channels.
• Analyze aging reports and prioritize collection activities to reduce delinquent balances and improve Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
• Prepare and distribute past-due reports to sales representatives and participate in regular collection review meetings.
• Research and resolve short-paid invoices, unapplied cash transactions, and payment discrepancies.
• Work collaboratively with customers and internal stakeholders to resolve billing disputes and account issues.

Credit & Collections

• Review and process new customer credit applications.
• Conduct credit investigations, obtain trade references, review credit reports, and recommend credit limits.
• Maintain and update customer credit files and supporting documentation.
• Establish and maintain customer account workflows and records.

Cash Application & Payment Processing

• Process customer credit card and ACH payments received via phone, email, and authorized payment requests.
• Maintain customer ACH and credit card authorization records.
• Process COD customer payments and ensure payment compliance before product shipment or pickup.
• Reconcile and post lockbox checks, electronic payments, and customer remittances.
• Support daily cash application activities and account reconciliation efforts.
• Absorb and validate daily cash receipts and payment activity.

Customer Service & Account Management

• Research and resolve customer inquiries related to billing, pricing, shortages, freight issues, discounts, credits, and payment disputes.
• Cook with Sales, Customer Service, Dispatch, Operations, and Finance personnel to resolve customer concerns.
• Process customer refund requests and coordinate documentation with Accounts Payable.
• Aid customers with tax exemption documentation and related account updates.
• Absorb account maintenance activities and ensure customer information remains current and accurate.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare monthly collections and accounts receivable reports.
• Monitor unapplied cash and open dispute balances.
• Maintain accurate account documentation and audit-ready records.
• Absorb and validate month-end close activities and reporting requirements.
• Absorb cross-functional and regional AR coverage as needed.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 3+ years of experience in accounts receivable, credit, collections, or customer account management.
• Strong understanding of credit and collections processes.
• Experience working with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

About GardenCore

GardenCore is a leading U.S. manufacturer of lawn and garden consumables, offering a broad portfolio of mulch, soil, stone, and lime products. The Company has deep, long-standing partnerships with major home improvement retailers and garden centers, and delivers consistent, high-quality execution across large-scale private label and branded programs. The Company has over 1,400 employees and operates 58 manufacturing facilities across the United States. GardenCore, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. EOE/Vet/Disability GardenCore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.