AR Collections Specialist

Position Title: AR Collections Specialist
Department: Accounting
Reports To: Controller
Schedule: Full Time - 40 hours; Mon-Fri (8 am - 5 pm) / Remote or local (Portland-based)
Position Purpose:
The AR Collections Specialist is responsible for providing outstanding customer service in the course of managing AR processes and collecting outstanding accounts receivable balances. This position includes adhering to collections work standards (i.e. call/email volumes), reducing the amount of aged items, facilitating resolution of customer billing issues, reducing accounts receivable delinquencies, and meeting and/or exceeding collections standards.
Responsibilities:

• AR Management:
• Enter approved billing adjustments to client accounts, including credit memos discounts, and approved credits.
• Manage account receivables to maintain payments within 60 days.
• Examining unpaid invoices and sending out friendly payment reminders.
• Apply collected payments to open invoices in the accounting software.
• Using Quickbooks Online.
• Depositing and posting payments with 100% accuracy.

• Collections Management:
• Contact clients with overdue accounts and attempt to either collect the overdue amount or negotiate a payment plan to collect it in installments.
• Implement effective strategies for debt recovery while maintaining positive client relations.
• Monitor and analyze client accounts to identify delinquencies and payment trends.

• Communication:
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather and share information related to client accounts.
• Respond to client inquiries regarding billing issues, payment discrepancies, and other related concerns.
• Maintain clear and professional communication with clients through various channels.

• Negotiation:
  
  • Negotiate and establish payment arrangements with clients, taking into consideration their financial situations and company policies.
  • Work with clients to resolve disputes and discrepancies, ensuring a mutually beneficial resolution.

• Documentation and Reporting:
  
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, payment agreements, and collection activities.
  • Generate regular reports on collection activities, providing insights and recommendations to management.

• Compliance:
  
  • Stay informed about industry regulations and compliance requirements related to debt collection.
  • Ensure all collection activities adhere to legal and ethical standards.

Skills/Abilities:

• Proven experience in AR Collections or a similar role.
• Knowledge of billing procedures and collection techniques.
• Familiarity with debt collection laws.
• Proficiency in MS Office and database usage.
• Ability to work towards targets and manage stress effectively.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Proficient in negotiation and problem-solving.

Requirements (Preferred Minimum)

• Minimum of a 2-year degree in any major, preferably accounting.
• At least 2 years of experience in Accounts Receivable.
• At least 3-5 years of collections experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience using accounting software, preferably Quickbooks Online.
• Comfortable using Hubspot and QBO with extensive experience running AR aging reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Experience working in a remote environment.