AR & Collections Specialist

About the Role Taher is seeking a hands‑on Senior Accounts Receivable & Collections Specialist to take full ownership of the collections process and help strengthen cash flow. This individual will be responsible for reducing past‑due receivables, developing effective collection strategies, resolving customer account issues, improving processes, and providing clear visibility into collection risks and expected cash receipts. The ideal candidate combines persistence and sound judgment with a professional, relationship‑focused approach. This person will work directly with customers and internal teams, lead improvements within the accounts receivable function, and support general accounting and month‑end activities related to accounts receivable. Key Responsibilities Collections Strategy and Customer Account Ownership Take full ownership of the collections process across assigned customer accounts. Develop and execute collection strategies to reduce aging, improve cash flow, and support timely payment. Analyze aging trends, customer payment patterns, disputes, and collection risks; recommend appropriate actions. Proactively contact customers regarding past‑due balances, payment status, invoice disputes, and promised payment dates. Build positive customer relationships while maintaining consistent, professional, and effective collection follow‑up. Research and resolve payment delays, deductions, billing disputes, and account discrepancies. Negotiate payment arrangements when appropriate and elevate significant collection risks to Finance leadership. Maintain complete and accurate collection notes, commitments, follow‑up dates, and supporting documentation. Provide clear reporting on collection status, high‑risk accounts, disputes, expected receipts, and actions required. Drive measurable reduction of past‑due receivables and strengthen accountability for customer follow‑up. Billing and Accounts Receivable Ensure customer invoices and billing statements are accurate, timely, and supported by appropriate documentation. Apply customer payments accurately and research unapplied or misapplied cash. Reconcile customer accounts and resolve billing and payment discrepancies. Maintain accurate customer records and supporting documentation. Prepare and enhance accounts receivable aging, collections, cash application, and cash forecast reporting. Partner with Operations, Accounting, and other departments to resolve customer and billing issues. Process Improvement, Automation, and Systems Lead process improvement initiatives within collections and accounts receivable. Identify opportunities to automate manual activities, improve reporting, and strengthen follow‑up workflows. Develop and document clear, repeatable standard operating procedures. Use approved technology and AI tools to improve account research, reporting, productivity, and customer follow‑up. Support ERP, reporting, and financial system enhancements affecting accounts receivable. Help strengthen internal controls, data accuracy, and accountability across the accounts receivable process. General Accounting and Month‑End Support Prepare accounts receivable reconciliations, supporting schedules, and related journal entries. Analyze general ledger activity related to accounts receivable and resolve discrepancies. Assist with month‑end close, financial reporting, and audit requests related to accounts receivable. Collaborate with the accounting team on broader process improvements and finance initiatives. About Taher Taher is a family‑owned, chef‑driven food service management company operating in 27 states. We partner with schools, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, corporate dining programs, and other organizations to deliver high‑quality food service experiences. Our continued growth is supported by strong customer relationships, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across the business. Strong collections experience with demonstrated ownership of customer accounts and past‑due receivables. Ability to analyze aging, identify risk, prioritize collection activity, and drive issues through resolution. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including confidence handling difficult collection conversations. Pleasant, professional, customer‑focused, and relationship‑oriented business style. Ability to work effectively with customers, Finance, Operations, and teams across the organization. Strong analytical, problem‑solving, organizational, and follow‑through skills. Process‑improvement mindset with the ability to build clear and scalable workflows. Comfort using technology, automation, and AI tools for business purposes. Strong Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with Outlook and other Microsoft Office applications. Experience using accounting or ERP systems. High level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, ownership, and accountability. Education and Experience Two‑year degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience. Minimum of five years of experience in accounts receivable, collections, accounting, or related finance functions. Demonstrated experience owning collections, reducing past‑due balances, and resolving complex customer account issues. Experience leading process improvements, workflow automation, or systems enhancements. Experience preparing reconciliations and journal entries and supporting month‑end close activities. Growth Opportunity For the right candidate, this role offers opportunities to expand further into general accounting, month‑end close, reporting, process improvement, automation, and financial systems support. Physical Requirements Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Why This Role Matters This role directly affects cash flow, working capital, customer relationships, and the reliability of financial reporting. The right person will bring disciplined collection ownership, clear communication, strong judgment, and a continuous‑improvement mindset to help build a more effective and scalable accounts receivable function.

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