Accounts Receivable Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role:

The Accounts Receivable Specialist plays a key role in protecting the organization's cash flow by ensuring timely and accurate collection of payments from customers. This position is responsible for applying payments, monitoring account aging, and following up on past-due balances through a structured collections process. The specialist works closely with billing, account management, and finance teams to resolve invoice discrepancies before they become collection issues. This role also supports month-end activities, prepares regular receivables reporting for leadership, and helps identify accounts that require adjustment or further review. Ultimately, the Accounts Receivable Specialist contributes to strong customer relationships and the overall financial health of a fast-growing company in the waste and recycling services industry.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in accounts receivable, collections, or a similar financial role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including lookups, filtering, and working with large data sets.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Teams, and Word.
• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles and accounts receivable processes.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Experience with accounting or ERP software.
• Experience working with customer payment and invoicing portals.
• Experience managing high-volume or national customer accounts.
• Ability to analyze financial data and generate actionable insights.

Responsibilities:

• Process and post incoming customer payments, ensuring accurate application to customer accounts.
• Reconcile customer payments and remittances against open invoices.
• Review accounts receivable aging daily to identify past-due balances and account issues.
• Follow up on overdue accounts through email and phone, escalating as needed per company procedures.
• Set up and manage customer payment plans and recurring payments.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies by coordinating with customers and internal departments.
• Identify accounts requiring adjustment and prepare them for management review and approval.
• Prepare weekly reports on receivables status, aging, and collections activity for management.
• Maintain organized records of all transactions and customer communications.
• Support month-end close and recommend improvements to accounts receivable processes.

Skills:

The Accounts Receivable Specialist uses accounting knowledge daily to accurately apply and reconcile customer payments and maintain the integrity of financial records. Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills enable efficient account reviews, reporting, and data analysis. Organizational skills help prioritize collections efforts across a large customer base and keep documentation current. Clear, professional communication is essential for working with customers and internal teams to resolve billing issues and secure payment. Analytical abilities allow the specialist to spot trends in receivables and recommend improvements that strengthen cash flow and reduce outstanding balances.