Credit and Collections Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

To support maintenance of the highest possible quality of accounts receivable, by fully utilizing available resources to provide accurate and timely information to all customers and sales team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reconciliation of assigned customer accounts with open balances, collection of Invoices, submitting adjustments to correct billing errors. Communicate with the customer to request information and collect outstanding balances.
• Report on reconciliation and collection status for assigned accounts and take an active role in developing relationships with customers to facilitate the collections process.
• Provide assistance/backup for department Cash Application Specialist. This includes daily check deposits, ACH deposits, processing of credit card payments and month end reporting.
• Answer customer questions or work with analyst assigned to the account to resolve any issues.
• Additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent required
• Requires complete understanding and the ability to perform all essential job functions of a Claims & Cash Analyst, including reconciliation and collection of assigned accounts.
• Must have detailed knowledge of invoicing, writing up all types of billing adjustments.
• Ability to research customer claims, disputes and problem situations and utilize investigative skills to analyze Invoice disputes and internal documentation to resolve claims as appropriate.
• Ability to resolve problems and be proactive.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for both internal and external communication.
• Must be analytical, detailed oriented, a self-starter, highly organized, highly accurate, flexible and a team player.
• Experience in MS Excel, Word, and proficient in typing and 10-key by touch.
• Must be able to manipulate data in a heavy volume spreadsheet environment.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and able to meet deadlines with an attention to detail.
• Must be able to negotiate successfully with customers, establishing a positive rapport, with a relationship that facilitates the collection process.
• Must have the ability to diffuse difficult situations and conduct self in a professional and non-threatening manner.
• Experience with Account Receivable and Customer Service software packages preferred.
• Must have experience communicating effectively and tactfully with persons on all levels including their staff, in person, on the telephone, and in writing, regarding reconciliation and collection issues, systems, processes and procedures.
• Must have the ability to pay close attention to detail and provide good written and oral instructions. This experience must include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work effectively.
• BA/BS degree in accounting/business/finance/computer science/systems or related field highly recommended.

ACCO COMPETENCIES:

• Proactivity / Initiative: Recognizes what needs to be done and accomplishes it in a manner appropriate for one's level/position and with minimal supervision.
• Perseverance: Shows the wherewithal to fight for difficult goals despite challenges and to bounce back from adversity.
• Insight: The ability to gather and make sense of information that suggests new possibilities.
• Engagement: Shows a knack for using emotion and logic to communicate a persuasive vision and connect with people.
• Teamwork: The ability to effectively work toward common goals with others by supporting, encouraging, and sharing information in an authentic and approachable manner.
• Big Picture: Understands and contributes to organizations' short- and long-term business strategy. On a personal level has independently developed a vision for short- and long-term career success.
• Motivation / Dedication: Commits to excellence in pursuing unselfish goals. Initiates action with collective goals takes responsibility and shows personal humility.
• Technical Curiosity / Willingness to Learn: Interest in seeking out new experiences, knowledge, and candid feed, back; demonstrating an openness to learning and change.
• Problem-Solver: Ability to identify, analyze, and solve a problem in support of personal, group, department, or organizational objectives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• The employee may regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Distance vision.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee is regularly required to walk and sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl (for purposes of filling photocopier/printers).
• The employee is occasionally required to reach above shoulder height to access storage cabinets and mail cubicles.

HOURS:

Monday through Friday beginning between 6:00 am and 7:00 am and ending between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm, with one hour for lunch. Eight hours per day is required, and occasional overtime may be necessary due to business needs.

TRAVEL:

O - 5% of the time to and from the assigned office location to regional branch offices and/or to project/customer site(s).

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