AR Specialist

We are currently looking for a detail-oriented, hard-working individual to join our Finance team as an AR Specialist! Working within the scope of authority as established in the Skidmore Credit Policy, the AR Specialist executes the collection of invoices, applies payments to customers' accounts and maintains accounts receivable records. As an A/R Specialist they will work daily with our customers by releasing orders and sending statements as well.

Position Details:

• Is primarily responsible for the release of credit holds; informs sales reps when an order is held
• Verifies credit standing of customer from information in files; may withhold shipment until payment is received
• On a regular basis, evaluates customer's credit history
• Recommends changes to credit limits on customer accounts and handles special credit arrangements and deviations from standard terms of payment
• Recommends that accounts be closed, credit limit reduced or extended, or collection attempted, based on payment history, and purchase activity of customer
• Sets up new customers in ERP system and updates customers' credit activities
• Enters and updates customer billing address changes and credit limits into computer credit files
• Completes and replies to credit reference requests from outside suppliers
• Assists in maintaining sales tax forms and other customer documents
• Maintains, reviews, completes and closes A/R notes
• Applies cash from lockboxes, checks, ACH payments, wire transfers, and credit card payments to customer accounts
• Investigates customer claims of invoice payment
• Researches and processes chargebacks, deductions, returns, and bad checks
• Interviews customers by telephone to investigate complaints, verify accuracy of charges, or to correct errors in customer accounts; Involves other internal and external departments/personnel as needed
• Answers accounts receivable phone inquiries and follows up
• Follows up on outstanding invoices to assure customer payments
• Obtains and mails invoice copies for customers, as requested
• Calls and/or mails correspondence to customers as necessary to update customer accounts
• Ascertains status of collections and balances outstanding
• Reviews delinquent accounts considered to be uncollectible to ensure maximum efforts have been taken before assigning bad debt status to account and/or collection agency
• Researches deductions resulting from goods damaged during shipment
• Examines, applies, and resolves credit memo issues
• Informs sales reps of customer pricing/freight discrepancies
• Assists with related special projects, as required
• Assists management in the formulation of credit policies and the development of credit ratings and credit ceilings
• Helps with other general accounting and administrative tasks as necessary
• Provides secondary backup at reception desk

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience

• Knowledge and skills at a level normally acquired through the completion of an associate degree in a related discipline.
• 2-5 years of professional experience in Accounting, with experience in accounts receivable and collections efforts preferred.

Licenses/Credentials/Certifications

• N/A

Specialized Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Calm, organized, patient, diplomatic, and confident demeanor in working with staff and customers
• Advanced attention to detail and accuracy in all work
• Intermediate ability to prioritize own wide-ranging work load and work independently
• Intermediate ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to a wide range of audiences primarily staff and customers
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Intermediate ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and customers

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working Hours/Environment

• Office hours are 40 per week Monday Friday, 8:00 5:00; may require additional hours periodically, including evening and weekends depending on business needs
• Work typically performed in an indoor office setting

Tools and Equipment Used

• Personal computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other typical office equipment

Travel

• Minimal less than 5% of the time

Physical & Mental Demands

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Light lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment