Accounts Receivable Specialist I

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Collaborate with the AR Manager and Senior AR Specialist to support collections efforts and reduce aging balances
• Identify trends or recurring issues impacting accounts receivable processes and recommend process improvements
• Provide guidance and support to entry-level AR Specialists on standard procedures and best practices
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, effectively handling inquiries and requests.
• Review, enter, and reconcile daily payments; process adjustments and credits to invoices as needed.
• Respond to incoming requests from both customers and internal employees; assist with calls on the accounting phone line.
• Reach out to carriers for necessary paperwork, audit customer accounts, and identify when customer contact is required.
• Create aging statements and prepare other customer-requested reports.
• Manage and resolve open issues on customer accounts promptly.
• Conduct a minimum of 10 collections calls per week and monitor customer compliance.
• Review loads for billing, confirm customer requirements are met, and submit invoices through the requested method.
• Project upcoming payments to assist in cash flow management.
• Verify and record payments, maintain accurate records, and ensure timely and accurate transactions.
• Set up and maintain customer accounts in the accounting systems.
• Prepare journal entries, reconcile general ledger, or bank accounts regularly, and monitor cash flow.
• Respond to customer inquiries, resolving concerns or discrepancies.
• Assist in year-end, monthly, or quarterly accounting procedures.
• Ensure all financial activities comply with accounting standards and company policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2-4 years of related experience, or an associates degree and a minimum of 4-6 years related experience or a minimum of 6-8 years related experience preferred.
• Additional related training and certifications will be weighted on a case-by-case basis.

Experience

• Prior experience in accounts receivable or accounting, 1-2 years in a related role is preferred with familiarity working with accounting processes and systems.
• Experience with specific accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP).
• Customer service experience, handing customer interactions and resolving inquiries effectively.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Attention to detail, essential for accurately processing transactions and maintaining financial records.
• Organizational skills for managing multiple tasks and maintaining systematic records.
• Communication skills, effectively interacting with customers and internal teams.
• Problem-solving abilities resolving discrepancies and customer issues.
• Basic accounting knowledge, understanding of accounting principles, practices, and the handling of financial transactions.
• Computer proficiency skills (Microsoft Office, Excel, and familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks).
• Analytical skills to analyze financial data and prepare reports.
• Time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of billing and collections procedures and understanding of processes and techniques for effective collections.