Credit & Collections Associate (Entry Level)

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsible for administering established credit policies and procedures, managing accounts receivable collections, and analyzing customer credit accounts. This role resolves disputed balances within assigned authority levels, maintains accurate credit records, and supports order processing within defined credit parameters.

Salary range: $21.50/ hour to $23/hour

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned.

• Processes customer orders promptly while ensuring compliance with established credit guidelines. This is a primary responsibility.
• Conducts 20 to 40 daily credit and collection calls to assigned customer accounts to resolve payment issues and secure collections.
• Maintains effective customer interface to achieve company collection goals (i.e., DSO, over 60 and 90-day percentages).
• Documents customer interactions and collection activity in company systems and ensures timely follow-up.
• Collects, reviews, and maintains customer credit documentation to ensure accurate and current credit files.
• Investigates and reconciles disputed account balances using internal systems and supporting documentation.
• Partners with branch personnel and sales teams to resolve customer issues including pricing discrepancies, payment terms, credit limits, order release approvals, and new account setup.
• Utilizes external credit reporting resources to evaluate new and existing customers.
• Prepares bank references and credit reports for management review.
• Communicates credit terms and conditions to customers and internal partners.
• Recommends or establishes credit limits up to $5,000 (based on experience and authorization level)
• Supports departmental initiatives and special projects as assigned.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years of related credit, collections, accounts receivable, or customer service experience is required.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• To perform the position, you must be a S. Person as defined by ITAR. ITAR defines a US Person as a US Citizen, US Permanent Resident (I.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.
• Must be able to report to assigned office location during scheduled in-office
• Strong problem solving, organizational, and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a high-volume environment.
• Strong customer relationship, negotiation, and professional interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across departments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles.
• Familiarity with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and other applicable debt collection regulations.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Computer Skills

To perform this role successfully, the individual must demonstrate proficiency in accounting and database software, as well as Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience with ERP systems is preferred, with specific experience using Oracle Fusion considered a strong advantage.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job the employee is often required to stand, sit, use computers, read, write, type, use copy machines, file paperwork, use telephones, and utilize written and oral communication to interact with clients, co-workers, and customers. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Sedentary work. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers (paperwork, typing, using mouse/keyboard). The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work.)