Accounts Receivable Specialist

Primarily responsible for receipt, verification and recording of incoming payments accurately and promptly. This role will provide direction to the accounts receivable team in the day-to-day planning, operation and problem solving at the direction of the Credit Manager to ensure all work is performed in compliance with company policies and Federal, State and local legal requirements. Secondary responsibilities will include assisting the credit coordinators with collection efforts, research, updating credit limits and other similar duties.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

• Perform all accounts receivable functions (i.e. timely delivery and validation of invoices, process receivable transactions, receive, batch and verify payments and apply appropriately, etc.)
• Perform daily processing of deduction transactions (i.e. post, update and reconcile accounts) using applicable accounting practices ensuring accounts are maintained in an effective, up-to-date manner
• Prepare reports of delinquent or problem accounts, notifying appropriate personnel of habitual delinquencies
• Assist Collection Coordinators with collection activities, (e.g. updating customer limits, running collection reports, etc.)
• Investigate deduction/short pays on all active accounts
• Complete deduction reconciliation for assigned portfolio of accounts including documenting conversations via email, phone or face to face with customers, sales and plant logistics
• Confirm validity of account discrepancies and work to resolve by obtaining and investigating information from Sales, Trade Promotions and customers
• Research and resolve payment discrepancies and apply unallocated cash
• Collect, prepare and maintain reporting metrics (i.e. Mid and Month end A/R reports, Unapplied and Open items, AFS status, etc.)
• Organize and retain A/R retention files for required period of time
• Ensure daily wire and check back up are printed and prepared for audit purposes
• Maintain daily deduction data with backup and perform deduction reconciliation for assigned portfolio of accounts
• Prepare general ledger entries for approval/keying
• Provide direction to the accounts receivable team in the day-to-day operations of the department to ensure the accuracy, efficiency and timeliness of A/R reporting, Cash Application and Customer invoicing in the absence or at the direction of the Accounts Receivable Lead
• Delegate and distribute daily A/R workload evenly among AR team as necessary in the AR Lead's absence
• Learn and perform Cash Application and month end responsibilities and associated reporting backing up when AR Lead unavailable
• Act as go-to person, answering questions concerns from A/R Associates

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

While this role has no direct reports, this is a Leader of People role with required competencies of Sizing up People, Delegation, Planning, Customer Focus and Conflict Management.

EDUCATION and CERTIFICATIONS:

Associate’s Degree in a relevant discipline (i.e. Business, Accounting, Finance, etc.) from an accredited institution preferred.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS:

• Minimum two (2) years’ applicable accounts receivable experience, experience in cash application preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership experience including leading a team to excel
• Strong customer focus with the ability to communicate with all levels of the organization in a timely and professional manner
• Must have exceptional communication, both verbal and written, attention to detail and the ability to appropriately handle sensitive situations and resolve issues efficiently and effectively
• Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word), and financial software Adage and AFS
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment using excellent organizational skills and precise attention to detail
• Must possess a strong customer-centric attitude, high energy level and a strong sense of urgency