Accounts Receivable Specialist

Accounts Receivable/Collections Specialist

Schedule: Hybrid | 2–3 Days Onsite

Salary Range: $50k–$60k

Location: Lorain, OH

Position Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Accounts Receivable/Collections Specialist to manage customer accounts, oversee collection activities, and support the company's credit management processes. The ideal candidate will have experience in accounts receivable, collections, credit management, or general accounting, along with strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

This individual will be responsible for monitoring outstanding receivables, following up on overdue payments, resolving billing discrepancies, processing customer payments, and maintaining accurate financial records. The role will also support credit evaluations, account reconciliations, and financial reporting to help minimize financial risk and maintain healthy cash flow.

The successful candidate will be proactive, organized, and comfortable communicating with customers regarding payment matters while maintaining positive business relationships. This individual will work closely with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to resolve account issues, improve collection performance, and ensure compliance with company credit and payment policies.

Key Responsibilities:

Credit Management & Risk Assessment

• Review customer credit applications, financial information, and credit history to evaluate creditworthiness.
• Establish and maintain customer credit limits and payment terms in accordance with company policies.
• Monitor customer accounts to identify potential credit risks, delinquent balances, and accounts requiring additional attention.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to address credit concerns and recommend appropriate account actions.
• Ensure consistent application of credit policies and payment terms to support responsible credit management.

Accounts Receivable & Collections

• Monitor accounts receivable and proactively follow up on overdue invoices through phone calls, emails, and written correspondence.
• Work directly with customers to resolve outstanding balances, negotiate payment arrangements, and secure timely payments.
• Issue collection notices and escalate delinquent accounts when necessary, including coordination with collection agencies or legal counsel.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, disputed invoices, and payment issues to facilitate timely collection.
• Maintain professional customer relationships while balancing effective collection practices with customer service.
• Track collection activities and outstanding balances to support cash flow objectives and minimize overdue receivables.

Payment Processing & Account Maintenance

• Process customer invoices accurately and ensure invoice information is entered into the accounting system.
• Apply customer payments, credit memos, checks, wire transfers, and other transactions accurately to outstanding accounts.
• Match invoices and supporting documentation with purchase orders when applicable.
• Maintain accurate customer account records and ensure payment activity is properly documented.
• Research unapplied payments, account discrepancies, and other issues affecting account balances.
• Ensure financial transactions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.

Reconciliation & Financial Reporting

• Reconcile customer accounts and accounting records to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
• Verify invoices, financial documents, and supporting records for completeness and accuracy.
• Prepare accounts receivable aging reports, collection reports, and other financial reports for management.
• Analyze account activity and collection trends to identify overdue balances, payment patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain accounting journals, reconciliation records, and supporting documentation.
• Assist with monthly, quarterly, and annual account reviews to support accurate financial reporting.

Customer Service & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Respond promptly and professionally to customer inquiries regarding invoices, payments, account balances, and credit terms.
• Investigate questionable accounting data and work with internal departments to resolve discrepancies.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, Accounting, and other departments to address customer account concerns and improve collection outcomes.
• Prepare spreadsheets, reports, and account analyses using Microsoft Excel.
• Maintain organized financial records and follow established company policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Previous experience in accounts receivable, collections, credit management, or accounting preferred.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounts receivable processes, credit management, and collection practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, including the ability to prepare spreadsheets and analyze financial data.
• Experience using accounting software or ERP systems preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to discuss payment issues professionally and negotiate payment arrangements.
• Ability to investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, account disputes, and payment issues.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage competing deadlines, and follow up consistently.
• Ability to work collaboratively with customers and internal departments while maintaining accurate financial records and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a hybrid arrangement with 2–3 days onsite in Lorain, OH.