Senior Manager, AR & Collections — Hybrid Leader

The Senior Manager, Accounts Receivable – Collections (AMER) leads collections operations for Morningstar US, with primary accountability for the Chicago-based team and oversight of an overseas team that reports to this role for day-to-day operations and guidance. This position does not have billing responsibilities; the focus is squarely on collections execution, escalation management, and team leadership across the region. This role partners across six Morningstar business segments to ensure collections OKRs are met, building trusted relationships with stakeholders in each business while leading a team that spans time zones and reporting lines. The Sr. Manager is also responsible for developing the professional growth path of direct reports, using a trust-based leadership style that emphasizes empowerment over oversight. The Morningstar Finance team handles everything “money” across the organization, including accounting, quote-to-cash, payroll, compliance, and budgeting for our fast-paced and growing company, and supports the business by providing actionable insights on financial health. Responsibilities Lead and manage a Chicago-based team of three, providing coaching, performance management, and day-to-day direction on collections activities for Morningstar US. Provide day-to-day operational guidance and direction to an overseas collections team, ensuring consistent standards, workflows, and service levels despite the distributed reporting structure. Own collections OKRs across six Morningstar business segments, building and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders in each business to ensure goals are met. Develop and execute collections strategies that reduce past-due balances, improve DSO, and minimize bad debt exposure across the AMER portfolio. Use a trust-based, empowerment-driven leadership approach to build individualized professional development and career road maps for each direct report. Monitor and report on key collections metrics, translating data into insights that inform decision-making at both the team and business-segment level. Partner with the overseas team's local leadership to align on priorities, resolve roadblocks, and maintain a unified collections process. Identify and lead process improvement initiatives and special projects as they arise, partnering with Finance, Sales, and Customer Success as needed. Ensure compliance with internal controls and collections-related policies across all supported business segments. Escalate and help resolve complex or sensitive account issues, partnering with senior leadership on risk management where needed. Support the vision and values of the company by setting an example and demonstrating desired behaviors. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred. 7+ years of progressive experience in collections or accounts receivable, including at least 3 years in a leadership or people-management role. Demonstrated experience managing or guiding distributed or international teams, including teams outside a direct reporting line. Experience supporting multiple business units simultaneously, with the ability to build credibility and relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, both written and verbal. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to managing OKRs and collections performance. Experience with Salesforce, Oracle ERP, and Sidetrade or similar collections platforms preferred. Ability to operate effectively across time zones and in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Working Conditions This role is based in Chicago, IL has a hybrid in office work arrangement, with a focus on in office presence 4 days/week. The role requires regular collaboration across time zones with an overseas team and may require periodic travel. Compensation And Benefits At Morningstar we believe people are at their best when they are at their healthiest. That’s why we champion your wellness through a wide range of programs that support all stages of your personal and professional life. Here are some examples of the offerings we provide: Financial Health 100% 401k match up to 6% of salary Stock Ownership Potential Company provided life insurance - 1x salary + commission Physical Health Comprehensive health benefits (medical/dental/vision) including potential premium discounts and company-provided HSA contributions (up to $500-$2,000 annually) for specific plans and coverages Additional medical Wellness Incentives - up to $300-$600 annual Company-provided long- and short-term disability insurance Emotional Health Trust-Based Time Off 6-week Paid Sabbatical Program 6-Week Paid Family Caregiving Leave Competitive 8-24 Week Paid Parental Leave Adoption Assistance Leadership Coaching & Formal Mentorship Opportunities Annual Flex Stipend - $1000 annually to cover personal education & well-being expenses Tuition Reimbursement Social Health Charitable Matching Gifts program Dollars for Doers volunteer program Paid volunteering days 15+ Employee Resource & Affinity Groups Total Cash Compensation Range $121,400.00-186,150.00 Inclusive of annual base salary and target incentive Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues. 001_MstarInc Morningstar Inc. Legal Entity #J-18808-Ljbffr Morningstar