Credit/Collections Specialist

JOB SUMMARY The Credit & Collection Specialist receives and posts all incoming cash for Colonial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, collects delinquent accounts, and provides superior customer service. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Supports Colonial Group, Inc. companies across multiple industries. Works in multiple software platforms used by Colonial companies, including JDE E1, PDI Enterprise, and Intevacon, as well as Windows-based software, including the Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe. Prepares payment deposits. Calculates and posts customer payments to the appropriate accounts. Verifies transaction details, including funds received and total account balances for all Colonial companies. Calculates and posts receipts for miscellaneous receivables for Colonial Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. Compiles and sorts documents, such as invoices and checks, to substantiate business transactions. Makes copies of checks, completes deposit slips, and makes bank deposits using a remote deposit scanner. Reconciles accounts receivable postings with daily bank deposits, wires, and ACH payments. Initiates and completes electronic funds transfer (EFT) drafts from customer bank accounts. Reviews customer accounts and determines the appropriate course of action for collection. Reviews sales, service, and credit contract terms with customers. Communicates with customers by email and telephone to determine the reasons for overdue payments. Collects past-due balances. Provides invoice copies, account statements, and delivery documents to customers. Researches short-paid or skipped invoices and invoice discrepancies and reports findings. Responds to customer calls and questions and helps resolve account balance disputes. Prepares and sends collection letters to encourage payment of delinquent accounts. Obtains information regarding customers' financial status and refers relevant information to Credit Analysts, the Assistant Credit Manager, and the VP of Risk. Works with salespeople and customer service representatives across Colonial companies to address customer concerns and ensure outstanding balances are collected. Escalates collection issues as needed. Makes recommendations to Credit Analysts, the Assistant Credit Manager, and/or the VP of Risk regarding the release of new orders. Researches and makes inquiries to locate customers who have moved. Notifies collection agencies of payments received from customers placed with the agencies for collection. Calculates interest and payments. Performs additional duties as assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Associate degree or equivalent credit hours in accounting or a business-related field preferred. Experience in credit or finance preferred. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES General math and accounting skills required. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Data entry, accounting, financial software, information analysis, attention to detail, customer service, telephone and email etiquette, and reporting research results strongly preferred. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and verbal communication skills required. Self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and demonstrate excellent communication and customer service skills. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Regularly required to sit, stand, and walk throughout the workday. May occasionally be required to lift and/or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds. Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.