Accounting Specialist (AR)

OPPORTUNITY 

Position: Accounting Specialist (AR)

Reports to: Accounting Supervisor

Location: Hybrid Aprrox. 90% remote & 10% onsite (Waukegan, Illinois)

Pay Range: $52,000-58,000 (Compensation is based on education, skills, experience and other job-related factors)

Benefits

• 401k Plan and up to 4% company matching
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement or Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health, Dependent Care, and Commuter
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Bereavement
• Short Term Disability 
• Weekly paychecks
• Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Employee Referral Program
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Annual Bonus Program

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is an entry level position. The Accounting Specialist will have primary responsibility for computing, classifying, recording, and verifying numerical data for use in maintaining accounting records by performing the following duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Verifies and posts details of business transactions, such as funds received and deducted, and totals accounts to ledgers or computer spreadsheets and databases.
• Processes daily billing, account statements, reports & other records; reviews for accuracy.
• Manages Credit Application process in accordance with the company policies & procedures.
• Assistance with deduction management.
• Assisting with audits.
• Reviews Terms, CC, Finance Watch & COD customers.
• Update, maintain and manage various spreadsheets to match ERP records.
• Compiles and sorts documents, such as invoices, PO’s and checks, substantiating business transactions.
• Computes and records charges, refunds, cost of lost or damaged goods, freight charges, etc.
• Works cross-functionally to investigate/reconcile report discrepancies and problems.
• Codes data for input to financial data processing system according to company procedures.
• Reviews, balances, and interprets computer reports, and makes corrections.
• Reviews credit limits, order entries and system workflows.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Dependable and detail‑oriented, taking pride in producing accurate, high‑quality work 
• Brings a positive, collaborative attitude and enjoys contributing to a team environment 
• Organized and efficient, with the ability to prioritize tasks and stay focused 
• Self‑motivated and accountable, comfortable taking ownership of responsibilities 
• Approaches work with a strong sense of integrity and a consistent work ethic 
• Open to learning, receptive to feedback, and eager to grow with the organization 
• Manages time effectively and follows through on commitments and deadlines

ATTENDANCE:

Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, attendance standards and work deadlines; beginning and ending assignments on time; and scheduled work breaks; where applicable.

COMPETENCIES:

• Analytical – Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; uses intuition and experience to complement data; helps design workflows and procedures.

• Design – Generates creative solutions; translates concepts and information into outputs; uses feedback to refine processes; applies design principles; demonstrates attention to detail.

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem‑solving situations.

• Project Management – Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and within budget; manages project activities effectively.

• Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.

• AI & Process Enablement – Demonstrates ability to use, learn, and adopt AI‑enabled tools (such as AI assistants, LLM‑based solutions, and automation tools) to improve efficiency, accuracy, and throughput within accounting and operational workflows.

• Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits feedback to improve service; meets commitments and service expectations.

• External Working Relationships – Develops and maintains courteous and effective working relationships with clients, vendors, and other external partners.

• Change Management – Develops workable implementation plans; communicates changes effectively; builds commitment and overcomes resistance; prepares and supports those affected by change; monitors transitions and evaluates results.

• Business Acumen – Demonstrates knowledge of the business environment; aligns work with strategic goals; adapts approach to changing conditions.

• Cost Consciousness – Works within approved budgets; develops and implements cost‑saving measures.

• Business Necessity – The needs of the employer may require responding to rapidly changing internal and external demands, including organizational structure, financial goals, personnel, work processes, technology, and customer requirements. Employees must be able to adapt to such changes with minimal notice while maintaining performance standards.

• Safety and Security – Responsible for observing applicable safety and security procedures and reporting potentially unsafe conditions to management.

KNOWLEDGE AND CHARACTERISTICS:

MUSTS:

• Associate degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or two-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
•  Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to write routine correspondence and reports.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Accounting Software; Database Software; Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint; Manufacturing Software; Inventory Software; Order Processing Systems; and Project Management Software.
• Prefers working in a collaborative, action-oriented culture in which the free exchange of ideas and information is encouraged and expected. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• People / Team building skills.
• Experience in setting individual goals / objectives and establishing performance criteria. 

WANTS:

• Global experience - demonstrated ability to collaborate and influence cross-functionally in a global business environment.
• Experience in a family or privately held business.
• Financial acumen in a manufacturing environment.
• Multi language a plus.