Collections Specialist

The Collections Specialist independently manages an assigned accounts receivable customer portfolio.  This position is primarily responsible for resolving complex billing and deduction issues, ensuring timely collections and improved DSO, while building strong customer relationships. This role requires regular interaction with external customers and internal departments including Customer Service, Sales, Finance, Tax and Treasury.

The account management activities include, but are not limited to the following:

• →Research and resolve complex billing issues and other billing discrepancies by collaborating with the customer, Customer Service, Sales, Inventory managers, Tax and others as needed. Negotiate within assigned scope of authority, or seek appropriate approvals as needed to resolve the discrepancy.
• →Analyze assigned customer accounts to evaluate past due invoices and follow up with the customer to discuss the status and establish a plan for resolution.
• →Analyze deductions in a timely manner. Research and gather supporting documentation to support the authorization of credit memos to clear valid deductions or work with the customer to resolve invalid deductions.
• →Analyze each assigned customer’s DSO to ensure compliance with company metrics and strategize with Customer Service and Sales on ways to improve the outliers. Using this data, have regular communications with the customers to ensure timely payments.
• →Make decisions regarding credit holds as needed to manage collections and ensure proper communication of those actions to Customer Service and Sales.
• →Maintain detailed notes on customer accounts regarding conversations and collection efforts.
• →Collaborate with the Credit Analyst to proactively perform credit reviews to manage credit line increases in a timely manner to avoid shipment delays.
• →Prepare weekly reports for management to highlight aged balances, planned resolution and contributing factors to the current DSO.
• →Reconcile complex customer accounts with the customer on a regular basis to ensure all invoices are accounted for and to identify any issues before amounts are past due.
• →Provide data on collections to Treasury to assist with cashflow forecasting.
• →Provide backup coverage for invoice portal uploads and cash application to customer accounts.
• →Assist with collection of data requested during internal/external audits.
• →Adhere to and promote the environmental, health and safety policies of AFL.

• Ability to work independently and use critical thinking skills.
• Ability to make quick decisions for timely resolution of issues.
• Ability to build strong internal and external customer relationships.
• Excellent customer service and negotiation skills.
• Accounting knowledge and general understanding of how businesses operate.
• Organized and detail oriented to manage a large customer portfolio.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Self-driven to achieve stated objectives with limited supervision.

• Minimum Education Required: Associate’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Management. Equivalent course work will be considered
• Preferred Degree: Bachelors in accounting or finance
• 2+ years of experience in Accounts Receivable
• Prior B2B collections experience, pre
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting
• Oracle experience, preferred

• Office environment where you are required to sit for most of the day, occasional walking around the facility; vision ability to include close vision and ability to adjust focus