Accounts Receivable Specialist

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Accounts Receivable (AR) Specialist manages the collection and processing of payments from customers. The AR Specialist will support the company in optimizing our financial transactions and systems by performing reconciliation of payments and customer accounts. This role maintains accurate records of all accounts, investigates and resolves customer queries and payment discrepancies. This role will work interdepartmentally to address payment issues and ensure smooth transaction processing. The ideal AR Specialist will be proactive, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism.

• Maintain accounts receivable records to ensure aging is up to date, credits and collections are applied, uncollectible amounts are accounted for, and miscellaneous differences are cleared
• Perform daily cash management duties, including the recording of bank deposits, updating and distribution of cash receipt logs, and posting of cash to the accounts receivable sub-ledger
• Strengthen and grow relationships with clients by communicating with customers regarding past-due accounts
• Exercise integrity and confidentiality in financial reporting, and comply with accounting and finance standards
• Retrieve and log all bank transactions including lockbox transactions, wires in and out, credit card payments, and vendor payments
• Collect on all customer invoices within established credit terms and work interdepartmentally to resolve any billing issues or disputes
• Enter and reconcile all customer cash receipts into ERP system daily
• Research all over or short payments and resolve with the customer in a professional manner
• Research and resolve all unauthorized credits or debits on customer accounts
• Post debit and credit memos upon approval to reconcile customer accounts
• Process daily credit card payments and maintenance of customer information
• Research and respond to all customer questions and invoice or statement requests
• Discuss all customer-related issues or concerns and propose a solution to your manager
• Answer all accounts receivable phone and email inquiries within an appropriate timeframe
• Assist in the implementation of collection module in the ERP system or other mechanisms to track customer related issues and phone calls
• Reconcile accounts receivable to the general ledger
• Handle customer billing daily, back-ordered items and reconcile billing to the general ledger
• Identify any issues in accounts receivable which warrant changes to the processes of the company or help capture any problems
• Send out daily sales report
• Assist with accounts payable activities; accurately processing invoices for payment and vendor management
• Assist in entering new customer or vendor information or changes into the system
• Maintain company accounts receivable email box
• Follow company procedures whether written or oral
• Additional duties and projects as assigned

Required Skills and Experience Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of accounts receivable, cash application and collections experience required
• Understanding of basic principles of finance, accounting, and bookkeeping
• Excellent communication skills; must be able to relate appropriately and professionally
• Must have strong customer service and interpersonal skills
• Superb time management skills and detail orientation
• Must possess organizational skills
• Strong mathematical skills
• Ability to maintain company and customer confidence
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and commonly used ERP systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• College education in related fields like Accounting and Bookkeeping is a plus
• Previous experience with Great Plains and Sales Force is desirable
• Knowledge and understanding of accounts payable
• Self-starter
• Ability to analyze and solve problems