Collections Specialist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Collections Specialist to join our Finance Team! The AR / Collections Specialist is responsible for managing assigned accounts receivable balances and supporting the timely collection of outstanding invoices. This role partners with internal teams and clients to resolve payment delays, research account issues, maintain accurate collection records, and improve overall cash flow. The ideal candidate is professional, organized, persistent, detail-oriented, and able to balance strong collection efforts with positive client relationships. The primarily focus is on past-due accounts, client follow-up, payment status, dispute resolution, documentation of collection efforts, and coordination with project managers and project accountants regarding outstanding receivables.

Attributes To Support The NELSON Culture

• Go All In. Own the Outcome. We go all in—with urgency, follow-through, and pride in the result.
• Be Direct. Be Respectful. Be Authentic. We keep it real—with clarity, candor, and care.
• Grow with Purpose. We embrace growth—through learning, coaching, and continuous improvement.
• Think Bold. Execute Smart. We think boldly—and pair ambition with discipline.
• Make Space for Everyone. We value you—and build a culture where people can thrive and do their best work.
  
  

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Critical features of this job are described under the headings below. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Required Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledgeable in all general accounting principles, with a focus on credit and collections practices and procedures.
• Exceptional customer service approach.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail is a must; ability to regularly problem solve and make recommendations for improvement.
• Experience in a professional services environment, preferably within the AEC sector
• Deltek Vantagepoint and Microsoft Excel experience preferred
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities Include The Following

• Reviews open accounts and prioritizes collection efforts based on aging, risk, and account status.
• Makes outbound collection calls and writes collection emails in a professional manner while maintaining and strengthening client relationships.
• Facilitates the timely collection of customer payments in accordance with established payment terms and due dates.
• Researches and helps resolve client billing problems, payment delays, disputes, and other issues contributing to account delinquency, and communicates significant risks, findings, and recommended next steps to management.
• Communicates directly with clients to build and maintain strong working relationships and reduce the time to payment.
• Partners with project managers, billing teams, and finance leadership to address contract issues, missing documentation, and other internal barriers to payment.
• Escalates significantly delinquent, high-risk, or high-balance accounts to management, as appropriate.
• Maintains accurate and timely collection notes, client communications, promised payment dates, dispute status, and follow-up actions.
• Supports the maintenance of accurate and up-to-date account records, databases, and spreadsheets, and may assist the supervisor with preparing reports on account status, collection activity, aging trends, payment commitments, and collection risks.
• Supports efforts to reduce delinquency, improve cash flow, and meet departmental collection goals.
• Assists with gathering client-requested backup documentation and other supporting information to facilitate payment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education / Experience

• High School diploma required; Associate degree preferred/ Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is a plus
• At least 2 years in collections, accounts receivable, or client account management
• Strong experience in customer service is required
• Experience in professional services or A/E/C is preferred
  
  

Computer Skills

To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Deltek Vantagepoint.

National salary range (2 years experience): $40,000-$60,000 (regional cost of living factors, certification, etc. are considered into the hiring process). Additional compensation includes bonuses and benefits. Bonuses can include but are not limited to: Long Term Incentive Plan, Short Term Incentive Plan, Profit Sharing.

Benefits of NELSON: (additional benefit details can be found at: nelsonworldwide.com/careers)

• 401(K) plan with company match
• Full health benefits including medical, dental, and vision
• Wellness program with rewards for healthy activities
• Pet Insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• Paid parental leave
• Flexible working schedules and work from home options based on client’s needs
• Professional Development including discretionary support and reimbursement for registrations, certifications, and membership to a professional organization
  
  

NELSON and its related affiliates are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender, national origin, status as a protected veteran, disability or any other classification protected by law.