Collections Specialist

Collections Specialist

We are seeking a detail-oriented Collections Specialist to manage customer accounts, drive collection efforts, and reduce outstanding receivables. This role is responsible for maintaining strong customer relationships while ensuring timely payment of invoices, resolving billing issues, and identifying potential credit risks. The ideal candidate will be proactive, organized, and comfortable working with customers and internal departments to improve cash flow and account performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Manage an assigned portfolio of customer accounts and oversee daily collection activities.
2. Contact customers regarding past-due invoices and secure timely payment of outstanding balances.
3. Monitor accounts receivable aging and work toward achieving collection and cash flow goals.
4. Review customer accounts regularly to identify delinquent balances, payment trends, and potential risks.
5. Escalate high-risk or problem accounts to management when necessary.
6. Lead or participate in accounts receivable review meetings with operational teams and business partners.
7. Reconcile customer accounts and investigate payment, billing, and account discrepancies.
8. Work closely with billing teams to resolve invoice issues and ensure corrections are processed accurately.
9. Partner with cash application teams to research unapplied or misapplied payments.
10. Assist with resolving overpayments, duplicate payments, and customer refund requests.
11. Maintain accurate collection notes, account records, and communication history.
12. Collaborate with legal and internal stakeholders on lien filings, bond claims, and other recovery efforts when required.
13. Provide excellent customer service while maintaining a professional and effective collections approach.
14. Prepare reports and updates on collection activity, outstanding balances, and account status.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of collections, accounts receivable, or credit and collections experience.
• Business-to-business (B2B) collections experience.
• Strong understanding of collections processes and accounts receivable management.
• Experience researching and resolving billing discrepancies and payment issues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Experience working with ERP systems or accounting software preferred.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and customer service skills.