Cash Application and Collections Specialist

Cash Application and Collections Specialist Oil-Dri Corporation of America, 410 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America Job Description Role Overview The Cash Application and Collections Specialist plays a key role in supporting Oil-Dri’s cash flow, accounts receivable performance, and customer account management. This position is responsible for accurately applying customer payments, researching and resolving account discrepancies, managing unapplied cash, and supporting collection efforts to reduce past due balances. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, customer focused, and able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external customers to resolve payment-related issues in a timely and professional manner. Key Responsibilities Cash Application Accurately apply daily customer payments, including ACH, wire, lockbox, check, and credit card transactions, within established deadlines. Research and resolve unapplied payments, short payments, overpayments, and payment discrepancies. Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer account records in JD Edwards. Prepare and maintain supporting documentation for month-end close, reconciliations, and audit requests. Support efforts to reduce unapplied cash and ensure timely posting of receipts. Collections Manage an assigned portfolio of customer accounts to ensure timely collection of outstanding balances. Proactively contact customers regarding past due invoices, payment status, and account discrepancies. Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Deductions, and other internal teams to resolve issues impacting payment. Document collection activity, customer communications, and follow-up actions in accordance with department procedures. Provide weekly updates to management regarding collection status, high-risk accounts, and significant past due balances. General / Administrative Support month-end close activities, including accounts receivable reconciliations and reporting. Assist with internal and external audit requests as needed. Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Support department goals related to cash flow, working capital, and overall Order-to-Cash performance. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Timeliness and accuracy of daily cash application. Reduction of unapplied cash balances. Days Sales Outstanding. Percentage of accounts current versus past due. Resolution time for payment discrepancies, short payments, and deductions. Quality and completeness of collection documentation. Qualifications Education & Experience Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred. 4 – 6 years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Cash Application, Collections, or a related finance function. Skills & Abilities Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems; JD Edwards experience preferred. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Customer-service mindset with the ability to build positive internal and external relationships. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment. High level of accuracy, accountability, and follow-through. Competitive pay $45,000 ($23/hour) – $57,000 ($29/hour) + Annual bonus 401(k) with 6% company match Paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid holidays Work-life balance Career growth with exposure to senior leadership. Annual merit increase opportunity Fitness & Gym Reimbursement Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity. #J-18808-Ljbffr Oil Dri Corporation