Collections Specialist

Collections SpecialistFender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world famous brand with offices across the globe. Within the Credit and Collections team our goal is successful accounts receivable collections within a dynamic environment, providing the highest level of Credit and Collections services in a friendly and professional manner.An American icon, Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence extending beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it's a cultural symbol that resonates globally.We are searching for a Collections Specialist to join our team in Phoenix, AZ. In this role, you will be responsible for managing customer accounts, monitoring outstanding balances, and ensuring timely collection of payments while maintaining positive client relationships. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and skilled at communicating effectively to resolve payment issues, reduce delinquency, and help improve cash flow and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).Essential Functions:Manage high-volume portfolio of customer accounts across the United States, Canada and international markets, ensuring timely collection of outstanding receivables.Conduct proactive collection activities through email and phone calls to secure payment and reduce delinquent balances.Analyze aging reports and prioritize collection efforts based on risk, account exposure, payment history and aging status.Manage the daily credit hold dashboard in SAP by reviewing blocked orders, evaluating account status, and making timely release decisions in accordance with established credit and collections policies.Investigate and resolve invoice disputes, deductions, short payments, pricing discrepancies, proof of delivery requests, and other issues impacting payment.Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Cash Applications and Credit Approvals teams to resolve customer concerns.Negotiate payment arrangements within established company guidelines while maintaining positive customer relationships.Monitor customer payment trends and identify accounts exhibiting elevated credit risk, providing timely account status updates and escalating concerns to management as appropriate.Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of collection activities, customer communications, dispute status, and payment commitments within company systems.Reconcile customer accounts, research unapplied cash and payment discrepancies, and ensure account balances are accurate.Identify opportunities to improve collection processes, dispute resolution workflows, and overall accounts receivable performance.Additional duties as assignedQualifications:Minimum of 5 years of B2B Accounts Receivable and Collections experience in a trade credit environment.High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate or bachelor's degree preferred, but not required.Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.Experience with SAP or other ERP systems preferred.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a high volume, fast-paced environment.Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers and cross-functional teams.Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.About Fender Musical Instruments:Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world's leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Presonus®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby®, and Groove Tubes®, among others. For more information, visit FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans' status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position. "Pay scale" means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive. The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work. Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role – especially as a new hire – and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Subject to the foregoing, the current pay scale for this position is $20/hr - $27/hr