Accounts Receivable Specialist

Job Overview: The Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing an assigned customer portfolio through proactive collections, dispute resolution, account reconciliation, order hold support, and customer account maintenance. This role partners closely with Sales, Customer Service, and Finance to maximize cash flow, minimize risk, improve customer experience, and support the achievement of departmental performance objectives. The position serves as a key contributor within the centralized ARCC organization and supports continuous process improvement initiatives. Duties and Responsibilities • Manage an assigned customer portfolio and perform proactive collection activities. • Stratify collection efforts based on aging, exposure, risk, and customer payment behavior. • Receive and manage inbound and outbound collection calls and correspondence. • Contact customers regarding overdue accounts and determine reasons for non-payment. • Monitor payment commitments and follow up to ensure timely remittance. • Document collection activity and customer interactions within approved systems. • Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Finance to resolve disputes. • Investigate and resolve customer deductions, chargebacks, pricing discrepancies, freight claims, and rebate disputes. • Review customer accounts and provide recommendations regarding order release and credit hold activity. • Support customer credit reviews by gathering financial information, trade references, and supporting documentation. • Escalate credit concerns, delinquent accounts, and collection issues to management. • Support third-party collection placements and bankruptcy monitoring activities. • Research credits and communicate findings to customers and internal stakeholders. • Perform account reconciliations and maintain accurate records of customer payment status. • Review and maintain customer master records to ensure data accuracy and compliance. • Identify duplicate customer records, hierarchy issues, and inaccurate payment terms. • Support departmental DSO, past due, and cash collection objectives. • Provide backup support for cash application processes as needed. • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and process standardization efforts. • Cross-train on ARCC functions to support business continuity and workload balancing. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Strong commercial collections and customer account management skills. • Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills including data analysis and reporting. • Ability to analyze customer account activity and identify collection risks. • Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. • Customer-focused mindset with the ability to build professional relationships. • Experience utilizing ERP systems, customer portals, and collection tools. • Knowledge of deduction management, dispute resolution, and reconciliation processes. • Team-oriented with a commitment to cross-training and collaboration. Education and Experience • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred. • 3+ years of commercial collections and accounts receivable experience preferred. • Experience working with ERP systems such as Epicor, JDE, SAP, Oracle, or similar platforms. • Experience with customer portals, deductions, and dispute management preferred. Working Conditions • Typical office environment Physical Requirements • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.