Accounts Receivable Representative

Accounts Receivable Representative

The Accounts Receivable Representative will control and resolve customer invoice deductions. The Accounts Receivable Representative's objectives are to minimize the open balance of unresolved deductions, maximize collections of invalid deductions, and identify trends and corrective actions to prevent recurring deductions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Manage customer information to ensure successful resolution of any customer deductions from payments upon request. Manage collection activity to minimize the aging of open receivables, including disputed deduction claims.

2. Contact customers to determine the nature/details of the customer's claim and to obtain deduction back-up.

3. Research the customer's claim to determine validity and proper handling:

• Utilize internal pricing, promotion, order, shipping documentation.
• Utilize carrier information.
• Work with other Stratas departments (marketing, pricing, sales, customer service, plants, logistics, etc.) and external brokers to clarify discrepancies between Stratas documents and customer claims.

4. For validated deductions, determine and execute the appropriate method to clear the deduction from the customer's account.

5. For invalid deductions, contact the customer to secure repayment. Follow up on payment status and escalate to management for collection assistance, as needed.

6. Identify deduction trends and research root causes to minimize future deductions. Provide information to Sales and Customer Service to assist with controlling the customer's deduction practices.

7. Maintain deduction database information in Blacksmith system.

8. Utilize the INFOR M3 mainframe system to obtain A/R and shipment information as part of the deduction research process.

9. Prepare reports as needed to track the status of deduction balances, to categorize deductions and to communicate progress to Stratas management.

10. Function effectively within the Deduction Resolution Team, including providing coverage for absent co-workers, cross training on co-worker's assigned accounts, and team process improvement activities.

11. Actively support continual process improvement of our business processes through analyzing department workflow and recommending enhancements to management. Participate as assigned to special projects or project teams.

12. Collaborate closely with onsite teams and participate in onsite meetings to drive departmental objectives

13. Other projects as requested by management to support the Deduction Resolution function.

Qualifications

Education: Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent work experience. College degree preferred.

Experience: 1 - 3 years preferred deduction resolution or collections experience. Sales/customer service/logistics experience preferred.

Equipment/Software Skills: Data Entry accuracy and speed. Strong PC skills Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Outlook primarily). Must be able to quickly learn new system applications. Experience working with multiple system applications is preferred.

Location: Must currently reside within reasonable driving distance to the corporate office located in Cordova, TN.

Competencies

Strong analytical abilities to research and determine validity of customer claims.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy to document and track deduction related data.

Negotiation/collection skills needed to secure repayment from customers for invalid deductions.

Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with both external and internal customers.

Understand the supply chain process, contract/pricing structures and customer business practices.

Strong ability to manage data from multiple sources to ensure timely and accurate resolution of open deductions

Additional Information

Physical: Typical activities may include prolonged periods of sitting or standing, using a computer, and occasional movement within the workplace. May require lifting or moving items up to 25 pounds.

Sensory: Requires clear verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members and others. Active listening and attention to detail are essential.

Mental/Reasoning: Must be able to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and adapt to changing demands. Requires strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team. Must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion.

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision