Specialist 1 - Accounts Receivable

Position Summary

The Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing and collecting outstanding accounts receivable balances from commercial customers. This role focuses on reducing delinquency, improving cash flow, resolving payment disputes, and maintaining positive customer relationships while adhering to company policies and credit procedures. The successful candidate will work closely with customers, sales teams, customer service, and finance departments to ensure timely payment of invoices and accurate account reconciliation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contact commercial customers by phone, email, and written correspondence regarding past-due invoices.
• Review of invoice and payment status on customer facing portals
• Monitor accounts receivable aging reports and prioritize collection efforts based on risk and delinquency levels.
• Investigate and resolve payment delays, billing discrepancies, deductions, and disputes.
• Negotiate payment arrangements with customers while aligning with company credit policies.
• Maintain detailed collection notes and account activity records within the ERP or accounts receivable system.
• Review customer accounts to identify trends, potential credit risks, and escalating delinquency concerns.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Operations teams to resolve issues impacting payment.
• Reconcile customer accounts and ensure unapplied cash, credits, and deductions are addressed promptly.
• Prepare and maintain weekly cash collection forecasts, providing visibility into expected cash receipts and highlighting collection risks or delays.
• Escalate high-risk or severely delinquent accounts to management when appropriate.
• Recommend accounts for credit hold, collection agency placement, or legal action based on established guidelines.
• Meet established key performance indicators (KPIs), including collection effectiveness, DSO reduction, percentage past due reduction, cash forecasting accuracy, and dispute resolution targets.
• Assist with month-end reporting and audit requirements related to accounts receivable.

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of commercial collections, accounts receivable, or credit and collections experience.
• Strong understanding of accounts receivable processes, collection practices, and cash application fundamentals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and ERP systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred:

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience with Sage, or similar ERP systems.
• Experience with Ariba, Coupa, Oracle Isupplier, Textura
• Knowledge of commercial credit principles and financial statement analysis.
• Experience managing business-to-business (B2B) customer accounts.

Key Competencies

• Customer Relationship Management
• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Thinking
• Conflict Resolution
• Cash Forecasting and Reporting
• Professional Communication
• Results Orientation

Performance Metrics

• Percentage of Accounts Receivable Past Due (% Past Due)
• Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)
• Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI