Description

The AR Manager is responsible for managing the accounts receivable process, including credit, collections and reconciliation. Direct supervision of the AR team through leadership, management and accountability. Also responsible for maintaining the company credit policy to optimize profit and reduce bad debt losses. Provides information, primarily financial in nature, about the Accounts Receivable Department. Ensures accurate and timely recording of all transactions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

Leadership & Management

• Provides clear direction to direct reports, and creates opportunities for them to succeed
• Provides the necessary tools to direct reports, including training, technology, personal time, and attention
• Delegates work, as appropriate, to direct reports and develops their skillsets to help them grow
• Provides clear expectations regarding measurables, Core Values, roles & responsibilities of direct reports
• Communicates through active listening in a two-way dialogue with direct reports
• Participates in weekly and monthly meetings as a department
• Performs quarterly check-in conversations with direct reports and annual performance reviews
• Administers training for job duties and company SOPs as required
• Leads day-to-day operations of the A/R department; creates, implements, and maintains policies, procedures, and controls to ensure accurate and timely application of payments and collection of A/R accounts
• Monitors and analyzes specific A/R operations, such as invoice research and follow up, documentation of related adjustments, and standardization of input

Credit, Collections & Cash Application

• Executes credit decisions with accordance to the company credit policy by researching and evaluating customer creditworthiness
• Reviews customer credit applications and directs the onboarding of new customers to ensure accuracy of the customer accounts in our ERP system.
• Performs periodic review of customer credit limits and make recommendations to modify them as needed
• Interfaces with sales organization and customers to communicate credit decisions
• Manages and streamlines the collection process and cash application functions
• Assists A/R staff in researching and handling complex transactions and monitors repayments of deductions
• Interacts and negotiates with customers for escalated collection issues
• Reviews A/R reports to ascertain status of collections, balances outstanding, and reduces collection cycle times (DSO) where possible.
• Audits delinquent accounts considered to be uncollectible to ensure maximum collection efforts have been taken
• Completes monthly Bad Debt Reserve analysis & DSO analysis, and make proposals for bad debt write offs
• Submits uncollectible accounts to collection agencies and monitor progress
• Files bankruptcy claims and monitor progress
• Makes recommendation for improvements in the order-to-cash process

Support to Staff & Other Departments

• Serves as backup for credit hold inquiries and releases
• Works closely with Customer Service and our Sales department to ensure customer credit and collection guidelines are adhered to and issues are quickly resolved.
• Communicates with Customer Service on credits needed for customers
• Collaborates with the billing department to optimize the collections process

General Ledger Accounting & Reporting

• Responsible for accurate and timely completion and analysis of Accounts Receivable for financial statements and management reports
• Assists with ERP system projects that affect Customers and Accounts Receivable

Clerical/General Administrative

• Responds to routine emails, phone calls, etc.
• Makes copies, print documents, mail delivery, etc.
• Files paperwork

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and the employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and other management as required.

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Knowledge and skills at a level normally acquired through the completion of a bachelor’s degree in an Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline.
• 5 years of experience in Accounting preferred, with a strong background in managing credit and Accounts Receivable function.
• ERP experience is a plus. Sage X3 experience is a plus. Proficient in Microsoft suite of products, particularly Excel.

Licenses/Credentials/Certifications

• None required

Specialized Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Calm, organized, patient, diplomatic, and confident demeanor in working with staff, management, and customers
• Advanced attention to detail and accuracy in all work
• Advanced ability to prioritize own wide-ranging workload and work independently
• Advanced ability to communicate both verbally and in writing to a wide range of audiences – primarily staff, management, and customers
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Advanced ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and customers
• Proven management and/or relationship building experience
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Proficient in analytical and problem-solving techniques
• Strong leadership and management skills in accordance with Skidmore Core Values
• Self-Driven, motivated individual with an active continuous improvement approach
• Advanced knowledge of ERP systems; experience in Sage X3 preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working Hours/Environment

• Office hours are 40 per week – Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 5:00; regularly requires additional hours, including evening and weekends depending on business needs
• Work typically performed in an indoor office setting

Tools and Equipment Used

• Personal computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other typical office equipment

Travel

• Minimal – less than 5% of the time

Physical & Mental Demands

• Frequently required to sit at a desk/workstation for long period of time
• Ability to work at a computer terminal for extended periods of time
• Digital dexterity and hand/eye coordination in operation of office equipment
• Light lifting and carrying of supplies, files, etc.
• Ability to speak to and hear employees/clients via phone or in person
• Body motor skills sufficient to enable incumbent to move around the office environment

This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. This job description is not intended and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. Furthermore, the employer reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.