Sr AR Specialist

Sr. Accounts Receivable Specialist

SMTC Corporation was founded in 1985. SMTC is a mid-size provider of end-to-end electronics manufacturing services (EMS) including PCBA production, systems integration and comprehensive testing services, enclosure fabrication, as well as product design, sustaining engineering and supply chain management services. SMTC has facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Canada. Services extend over the entire electronic product life cycle from the development and introduction of new products through to the growth, maturity and end-of-life phases.

Summary:

The Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing complex accounts receivable activities and customer accounts to support timely collections, accurate cash application, account reconciliation, and effective resolution of outstanding balances and disputes. This role independently manages higher-risk or complex accounts, analyzes aging and payment trends, resolves escalated account issues, and supports month-end close, reporting, and internal control requirements.

Working closely with customers, Program Management, Sales, Treasury, Finance, and other internal stakeholders, the Senior Accounts Receivable Specialist serves as an experienced AR resource, supports continuous improvement, and provides technical guidance to other team members while helping drive cash flow, account accuracy, and overall AR performance.

Essential Functions:

• Manage assigned customer accounts and complex receivables, including account balances, payment activity, aging, credit status, disputes, and outstanding obligations.
• Perform advanced collection activities and proactively engage customers and internal stakeholders to resolve delinquent balances and improve payment performance.
• Analyze AR aging, customer payment behavior, historical trends, and account activity to identify collection risks, discrepancies, and accounts requiring escalation.
• Research and resolve complex billing discrepancies, deductions, short payments, unapplied cash, credits, payment application issues, and customer disputes.
• Perform detailed account reconciliations and ensure customer balances, payments, credits, adjustments, and supporting documentation are complete and accurate.
• Review and apply customer payments using remittance information and supporting documentation and resolve complex or unidentified cash application issues.
• Lead resolution of escalated customer account issues in partnership with Program Management, Sales, Finance, Treasury, and other internal stakeholders.
• Prepare and analyze AR reports, account summaries, collection updates, and supporting financial information for management review.
• Support month-end and quarter-end close activities, including account reconciliations, aging review, adjustments, reporting, and resolution of outstanding items.
• Maintain accurate customer account records, collection notes, supporting documentation, and system transactions in accordance with established policies and internal controls.
• Identify recurring AR issues, process gaps, and root causes and recommend improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, cash collection, and customer account resolution.
• Serve as a technical resource to AR team members by providing guidance on complex accounts, collections, reconciliations, cash application, systems, and established AR processes.

Competencies:

• Accounts Receivable: Advanced knowledge of the AR lifecycle, including collections, cash application, reconciliations, aging management, dispute resolution, and customer account maintenance.
• Collections & Account Management: Ability to independently manage complex customer accounts, drive collection activity, and resolve delinquent or disputed balances.
• Financial Analysis: Ability to analyze aging, payment activity, account trends, and financial information to identify discrepancies, risks, and required actions.
• Account Reconciliation & Problem-Solving: Ability to research and resolve complex account discrepancies, unapplied cash, deductions, billing issues, and payment variances.
• Customer Communication & Negotiation: Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with customers regarding outstanding balances, disputes, payment commitments, and account resolution.
• Internal Controls & Accuracy: Ability to maintain accurate financial records and execute AR activities in accordance with established accounting procedures, internal controls, and company requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Program Management, Sales, Treasury, Finance, and other stakeholders to resolve customer and financial issues.
• Technical Guidance: Ability to provide knowledgeable support, guidance, and knowledge sharing to other AR team members without formal supervisory authority.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certifications: N/A
• Experience:
  • Minimum of five (5) years of progressive Accounts Receivable, collections, cash application, or related finance experience.
  • Demonstrated experience independently managing complex customer accounts, collections, aging, reconciliations, and dispute resolution.
  • Experience researching and resolving unapplied cash, deductions, short payments, billing discrepancies, and account variances.
  • Experience supporting month-end close, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and internal control requirements.
  • Experience utilizing ERP and financial systems, Microsoft Excel, and related AR tools to manage accounts and analyze financial information.
  • Experience working directly with customers and cross-functional business partners to resolve complex account and payment issues.
  • Manufacturing, EMS, contract manufacturing, or similar business-to-business environment experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and performing computer-based work.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and standard office equipment.
• Clear verbal and written communication in individual and group settings.
• Occasional movement within the office to collaborate with team members and access materials.
• Occasional lifting or moving of office materials such as files or documents up to approximately 10 pounds.

Mental Requirements:

• Advanced analytical thinking to review AR aging, cash flow trends, and financial data, and identify risks or discrepancies.
• Strong attention to detail when reviewing invoices, reconciliations, and team output for accuracy and compliance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and escalations in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Application of accounting principles, internal controls, and company policies to ensure accurate and compliant processes.
• Problem-solving and decision-making to resolve complex billing issues and support collections strategies.
• Leadership focus to coach, guide, and hold team members accountable for performance and results.
• Effective communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams and with external customers.
• Discretion and sound judgment when handling sensitive financial and customer information.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in a professional, climate-controlled office setting with exposure to standard office noise levels and lighting. The role routinely uses typical office equipment, including computers, phones, printers, and related peripherals. Duties may involve extended periods of sitting, sustained computer work, and regular interaction with internal staff. Employees may occasionally access production areas, which may expose them to elevated noise levels, temperature variations, or manufacturing activity. All employees are expected to comply with workplace policies, safety protocols, and organizational procedures. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel: 0-10% of the time based on business needs.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

SMTC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.

If you require assistance completing this application due to a disability, please contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.