What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cash Application Specialist position at Pape-Dawson?
Overview
Job Description:
We are looking for an organized and detail-oriented Accounting Specialist who will be responsible for the accounts receivable and cash application processes for Pape-Dawson. This role will process client payments and apply them to the correct client accounts. In addition, this role will assist the accounting department in daily, monthly and annual activities to ensure the maintenance of accurate and complete records.
Responsibilities
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Job Description:
We are looking for an organized and detail-oriented Accounting Specialist who will be responsible for the accounts receivable and cash application processes for Pape-Dawson. This role will process client payments and apply them to the correct client accounts. In addition, this role will assist the accounting department in daily, monthly and annual activities to ensure the maintenance of accurate and complete records.
Responsibilities
- Accurately apply and reconcile cash receipts across multiple payment channels, including ACH, wire transfers, lockbox deposits, checks, and internal transfers.
- Ensure timely and accurate posting of all cash receipts to the general ledger and project accounting systems while maintaining strong internal controls.
- Conduct comprehensive research and analysis of unapplied cash, short pays, overpayments, duplicate payments, and unapplied credits; proactively identify root causes and drive resolution through coordination with clients, project managers, billing teams, and accounting personnel.
- Perform detailed account reconciliations and investigate payment discrepancies to ensure proper allocation of funds and accurate customer account balances.
- Independently resolve complex cash application exceptions, minimizing aged unapplied cash and improving overall accounts receivable accuracy.
- Monitor daily cash activity and identify trends, process gaps, and opportunities for operational improvement.
- Prepare and analyze daily, weekly, and monthly cash application and reconciliation reports for management.
- Support month-end and year-end close activities related to cash receipts, accounts receivable, and account reconciliations.
- Partner with Accounting Management on customer account reviews, audit requests, and special projects.
- 3–5 years of progressive cash application, accounts receivable, or corporate accounting experience, preferably in a high-volume, multi-entity environment.
- Demonstrated experience processing and reconciling high-dollar transaction volumes exceeding $1 million daily.
- Strong analytical and investigative skills with the ability to independently research, identify, and resolve complex unapplied cash and customer payment discrepancies.
- Advanced reconciliation skills with a solid understanding of accounts receivable processes, general ledger impacts, and accounting controls.
- Proficiency with ERP/accounting systems and Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, lookups, and data analysis.
- Exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
- Ability to prioritize competing deadlines and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and interact professionally with clients.
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.