Manager, Credit and Collections

The Credit & Collections Manager is responsible for overseeing the collection efforts of approximately $2 Billion accounts receivable balances for ACCO and all subsidaries. The Manager is also responsible for the supervision of the collections and cash applications staff. Currently a team of 15. In addition, the Manager will also work closely with the Director and General Accounting in reconciling and posting all cash into JDE monthly. Working closely with billing on all billing portals, issues, etc. The Manager would work closely with all Sales Managers, PM’s and upper management in all collection matters and issues.  The Manager is would also work closely with the Controller concerning General Ledger matters, bankruptcies, other matters of importance related to credit and collections.  The job does multi-tasking and time management daily. 

Supervises: None

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the collections process for ACCO and all subsidiaries. 
• Establish, implement, and monitor uniform collection policy and procedures amongst ACCO and all subsidiaries.
• Establish KPIs to effectively monitor the collection efforts.  
• Work with collection staff to insure customers are informed of past due balances by various means including phone calls, emails, second, third, fourth notices, and/or customer statements.
• Work closely with Regional VPs, Sales Managers and Billing Departments setting up new accounts/resolving problems with current customers.
• Meet regularly with Supervisors to keep abreast with trends and issues in the collection efforts.  
• Constantly review the accounts receivable to maintain its integrity.  This would include re-applying unapplied cash and credits.  Issuing refunds for duplicate/over payments.
• Keep Regional VPs, Sales Managers, and Controller informed of all outstanding AR by providing monthly reports of all aging invoices over 75 days out.  
• Working with Billing and project management regularly to ensure smooth collection and completion of payments on contracts. 
• Handle customer inquiries on outstanding invoices. Researching any questions or disputes that the customer may have in order to determine the collectability of the invoice.  Revise, adjust, or credit invoices as appropriate.
• Prepare/sign off on Conditional/Unconditional Lien Waivers for customers.
• Help Collections team working with all aspects of subs/vendors filing preliminary notices, providing progress and final releases and working with Purchasing and AP Teams to get them paid timely to be able to get our payments. 
• Ability to manage relationships both internally and externally.
• Escalate all collection issues that may need to go legal for resolution (monitor and report all urgent unresolved issues). 
• Meet regularly with the Regional VPs and Sales Manager to communicate any internal and external problems that has or will affect the aging.
• Monthly and Quarterly (i.e. Web AR) provide management reports to Regional VPs so they can understand any trends and issues they need to be aware of or handle.  

Position Requirements (Skills, Knowledge, Abilities):

• College degree preferred in accounting, finance or related field.
• A Minimum of 5-7 years’ experience in Credit and Collections. Industry experience in Construction required. 
• Strong computer skills – Proficient with Microsoft Office for Windows (Excel, Word etc.)
• Excellent written and verbal communications.
• Strong problem solving and customer service skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to adjust and interact with all levels of personnel.
• Fast paced environment. Incumbent must be multitask oriented, organized, set priorities and meet deadlines.

ACCO Competencies:

• Proactivity / Initiative: Recognizes what needs to be done and accomplishes it in a manner appropriate for one’s level/position and with minimal supervision.
• Perseverance: Shows the wherewithal to fight for difficult goals despite challenges and to bounce back from adversity.
• Insight: The ability to gather and make sense of information that suggests new possibilities.
• Engagement: Shows a knack for using emotion and logic to communicate a persuasive vision and connect with people.
• Teamwork: The ability to effectively work toward common goals with others by supporting, encouraging, and sharing information in an authentic and approachable manner.
• Big Picture: Understands and contributes to organizations’ short- and long-term business strategy.  On a personal level has independently developed a vision for short- and long-term career success.
• Motivation / Dedication: Commits to excellence in pursuing unselfish goals.  Initiates action with collective goals takes responsibility, and shows personal humility.
• Technical Curiosity / Willingness to Learn: Interest in seeking out new experiences, knowledge, and candid feed, back; demonstrating openness to learning and change.
• Problem-Solver: Ability to identify, analyze, and solve a problem in support of personal, group, department, or organizational objectives.

Physical Requirements: 

(The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• The employee may regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision and Distance vision.
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee is regularly required to walk and sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl (for purposes of filling photocopier/printers).