Collections Specialist Commerce, California, United States

Collections Specialist

For over 78 years, Ernest has been committed to the success of our extended family, our customers, our employees, and the packaging industry itself. When you work with Ernest, you'll enjoy the advantages of learning proven methods of success, a proactive approach, and having fun while earning what you're worth with a lot of really awesome people.

Location: City of Commerce, CA (On-site)

Department: Corporate Credit | Reports to: Corporate Credit Manager

Pay: $28-30/hour

At Ernest, we believe in creating meaningful partnershipswith our clients and with each other. Our culture is built on connection, care, and the belief that we're all better when we grow together. As part of our second-family philosophy, we empower every E-Teamer to show up as their best self in a refreshing, healthy, and fun work environment. We're looking for a Collections Specialist who thrives in a supportive team culture and takes pride in helping our clients and our company succeed.

Your Role

As a key player in our Credit Department, you'll work closely with current B2B clients to manage past due accounts and ensure timely payments, while maintaining strong relationships and upholding our commitment to exceptional service. You'll play a vital role in protecting profitability by making smart credit decisions and acting on aging reports before accounts reach critical stages.

You'll report directly to the Corporate Credit Manager will work closely with the Corporate Director of Credit and collaborate across teams to create a seamless client experience that reflects the heart of the Ernest brand.

Essential Functions

At Ernest, we promise to be the first and last stop for our clients by understanding their immediate needs, long-term goals, and expectationsresponding with urgency, accuracy, and care to build partnerships that stand the test of time.

• Make proactive, professional outbound collection calls to clients while strengthening and maintaining positive relationships (minimum one call per account)
• Monitor and release credit hold orders as needed; keep collections and credit line status up to date to avoid disruptions
• Obtain payment instructions for electronic funds transfers
• Enter invoice information into customer portals/websites as required
• Flag and escalate problem accounts to the Manager or Director of Corporate Credit
• Review and process new credit applications, including trade references and credit reports (D&B, Business Experian), within a 48-hour turnaround
• Partner with Client Relationship Managers and Director of Client Relations as needed to facilitate collections
• Reconcile short payments and customer disputes
• Send invoices and proof of deliveries upon customer request
• Digitize and store credit documents using Docuware for paperless record-keeping
• Balance sales needs and customer expectations with company policies to protect profitability and minimize risk
• Reassess credit limits and terms for existing clients as needed
• Deliver responsive, high-quality service to customers, sales teams, and internal branches
• Identify accounts for legal escalation or write-off; coordinate with collection agencies after internal efforts have been exhausted
• Negotiate payment plans for delinquent accounts with Director support as needed
• Provide weekly aging report updates to the Director and Supervisor of Corporate Credit
• Stay motivated and productive under tight deadlines, working independently with minimal oversight

Other Responsibilities

• Support the Credit Department with additional tasks as needed
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and internal departments to drive revenue, accelerate cash flow, and mitigate credit risk
• Receive direction from the Director and Supervisor of Corporate Credit, while offering ideas and insights that contribute to department success

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 2 years' experience in high-volume corporate collections (B2B)
• Knowledge of Accounts Receivable and credit processes preferred
• Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP system is a plus
• Detail-oriented and results-driven with strong organizational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
• Ability to interpret and apply company policies and procedures with sound judgment
• Skilled at managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Why Join Ernest?

Because at Ernest, your career isn't just a jobit's a journey. We're a connected, values-driven culture that celebrates growth, collaboration, and bringing your full self to work. From spontaneous team celebrations to supporting your professional development, we're committed to creating a place where people thrive.

Ernest is a nationwide company, but did you know that our humble roots started in a Los Angeles garage? Brothers Ernie and Charles Wilson founded the company in 1946 with a dedication to customized service. Even after decades of delivering great packaging to our customers, that commitment has never changed. We always find the best solution to fit our customers' needs, even if we have to invent it!