Specialist 1 - Accounts Receivable

Overview

This role manages and collects outstanding accounts receivable balances from commercial customers. The focus is on reducing delinquency, improving cash flow, resolving payment disputes, and maintaining positive customer relationships while following company policies and credit procedures. The specialist works closely with customers, sales, customer service, and finance to support timely invoice payment and accurate account reconciliation.

Responsibilities

• Contact commercial customers by phone, email, and written correspondence regarding past-due invoices.
• Review 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 in alignment 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; provide visibility into expected cash receipts and highlight 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 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.

Requirements

• 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 Qualifications

• 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.

Performance Metrics

• Percentage of Accounts Receivable Past Due (% Past Due)
• Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)
• Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI)
• Weekly Cash Forecast Accuracy
• Dispute Resolution Cycle Time
• Cash Collections Against Target
• Customer Satisfaction and Relationship Management

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: 65k–70K
• Comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(k) plan
• Referral bonuses
• Generous PTO

Location & Work Environment

• Remote work environment with the ability to work independently while maintaining high levels of productivity and accountability.
• Regular interaction with customers, sales personnel, customer service representatives, and finance teams via phone, email, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Occasional requirement to handle challenging collection situations while maintaining professionalism and strong customer relationships.
• Participation in virtual team meetings, training sessions, and periodic business reviews.

Physical & Work Requirements

Requires the ability to sit for extended periods, stand, bend, walk, communicate via telephone, computer and/or face-to-face contact, and use vision to monitor; use basic office equipment such as a personal computer, copier, and fax machines regularly during the course of work. May be required to operate a vehicle for company business. Work is performed in and out of an office environment.

Equal Opportunity

Equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Note

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed to support the organization’s ongoing requirements.