POSITION SUMMARY: With general direction, and working within established guidelines, the Credit Specialist is primarily responsible for evaluating and assessing the credit worthiness of prospective customers. This position is also responsible for monitoring the credit exposure of existing customers, and where applicable, recommending changes in credit limits.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Through a standard systematic credit evaluation, assesses the risk of extending credit to new and existing customers.
• Within predetermined levels of authority, approves or recommends approval (or disapproval) of credit for new or existing customers.
• Identifies when criteria for requiring a customer deposit exist, and collects the deposit payment from the customer for new and existing accounts.
• In accordance with guidelines in the Credit Evaluation Policy, approves (or recommends) the assignment of credit limits or credit limit increases based on the credit worthiness of prospective or existing customers.
• Identifies unrecovered write offs for returning customers and maintains timely communication with internal departments to ensure collection prior to account reinstatement.
• Following standard credit evaluation processes, determines when a deposit and/or advance payments are required for higher risk customers.
• Ensures all documentation supporting the decision to extend credit is included in the customer’s records. 
• Reviews, and when necessary, updates the collection strategy assigned to new and existing accounts to ensure the appropriate collection events take place.
• Ascertains and links related customer accounts in the credit and collections system.
• Monitors the existing customer account portfolio to identify and assess the cumulative credit exposure for linked accounts. Also, analyzes and evaluates any indicators of customer specific financial deterioration.
• Communicates and interacts with Sales and other internal departments to obtain additional information when needed and to discuss the rationale and appropriateness of credit decisions.
• Performs minimal data entry into the Company’s credit and collections systems.
• Documents actions taken on the customer’s account for full transparency.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned or apparent

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High school diploma or G.E.D.
• 1 year of data entry experience.
• 1 year of credit, collections, billing, or related experience dealing directly with customers.