SUMMARY

The Accounts Receivable Specialist position is accountable for collecting the maximum amount of overdue funds from customers and analyzing the risk associated with the sale, which may include a variety of collection techniques and the selective use of outside collection services. The accounts receivable specialist will be adding value to the business by consistently improving processes and maximizing cash flow for the assigned portfolios.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Stratify collection activities to maximize cash receipts
• Receive and manage inbound and outbound collection calls
• Contact customers regarding overdue accounts and determine reasons for non-payment
• Monitor payment commitment & follow up with customer as needed
• Analyze and inform sales, district sales manager, and credit & collections manager of credit risks
• Research and recommend initial credit lines
• Partner with sales team to resolve disputes
• Communicate with sales & supervisor on top outstanding accounts
• Research credits and communicate to the customer
• Coordinate customer credit changes with the credit manager
• Communicate accounts being shifted to a collection agency to managers
• Communicate bad debt write-offs to managers
• Maintain accurate records about the customer payment status
• Maintain customer accounts to reflect accurate data
• Minimize bad debt write offs through collection activity
• Ensure company objectives for DSO targets are met through customer account management
• Cash application, as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual will be a self-starter and be highly motivated. Essential qualifications include the individual to have the ability to communicate professionally through written and verbal channels, maintain relationships with the customer and sales staff.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Must Have Skills, Education and Training

1. Associate degree required- Business Admin, Accounting, Finance
2. Intermediate PC skills required: Microsoft Excel & word proficiency, data entry, data retrieval, problem solving
3. Analytical skills to assist review and manage complex or diverse information
4. Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment

1. Problem solving skills to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; develop alternative solutions and work well in a team environment
2. Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments
3. Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments
4. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality; detail-oriented.
5. Office skills through education, training and experience, including, but not limited to PC, Must have good communication (verbal and written) skills
6. Reasoning Ability-Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
7. Team oriented with the desire to achieve excellent results

Preferred Qualifications, Skills

1. 1-3 years of collection experience (Commercial Collections preferred)
2. Familiarity with credit procedures (i.e. Dun and Bradstreet, Third Party Collections, etc.)

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Windows environment and MS Office software (Outlook, Excel, and Word). Familiarity of ERP systems such as J.D. Edwards is preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Must possess ability to:

1. Read and comprehend fairly simple instructions, short correspondence and memos
2. Ability to effectively write simple correspondence
3. Effectively present information and respond to questions from sales, customers and co-workers

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Must be able to:

1. Add, subtract, multiply and divide using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
2. Ability to compute rate and percent

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must possess excellent organization and communication skills; high attention to detail; ability to work with all levels of management; and ability to work independently or in teams.

Personal Qualities Needed

1. Honesty
2. Accuracy, attention to detail
3. Quality, quantity and timeliness of work completion
4. Effective, efficient and organized work habits
5. Confidentiality
6. High degree of knowledge in all areas of responsibilities

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must be able to sit at a desk most of the day
2. Must be able to access standard upright file cabinets