What are the responsibilities and job description for the Collections Specialist position at West Fraser?
The Collections Specialist is responsible for supporting the timely collection of outstanding customer receivables to ensure accurate cash flow and reduced past-due balances. This role works within a Shared Services environment and collaborates closely with internal stakeholders such as Credit, Sales, Cash Application, and Accounting to resolve billing issues, disputes, and payment delays. The position requires strong organizational skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage a portfolio of accounts in accordance with company policies and internal controls.
What you will be expected to do:
- Manage a portfolio of assigned customer accounts and perform collection activities on past-due balances in accordance with established collection strategies and aging targets
- Contact customers via phone, email, and written correspondence to secure payment, clarify payment status, and resolve discrepancies
- Research and resolve payment issues including short pays, unapplied cash, pricing discrepancies, missing documentation, and billing errors
- Reconciling customer account transactions by comparing, identifying, and processing corrective action.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and professional collection notes within the ERP or AR system
- Coordinate with internal teams (Credit, Sales, Billing, Cash Application, Tax, Operations) to resolve disputes and unblock payment
- Monitor AR aging and escalate delinquent or high-risk accounts in accordance with escalation guidelines
- Support month-end and quarter-end AR close activities as needed
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and company policies
- Identifying and resolving payment discrepancies and answer customer inquiries as needed.
- Assist with process improvement initiatives, documentation, and standard work within Shared Services
- Perform other duties as assigned to support AR and Shared Services operations
Qualifications you should have:
- Bachelor’s degree in management, finance or accounting, or equivalent business experience
- Minimum of five years of experience in accounts receivable and or credit and collections
- Experience working in a SOX control environment is preferred
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
- A detailed and proactive approach to work
- A mindset for process improvement and efficiency
- Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with Oracle EBS, JDE, and BI reporting is considered an asset
Competencies that will be beneficial for you in this role:
- Working knowledge of accounts receivable policies & procedures
- Ability to work independently
- Strong organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- A team player with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Our highly competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits include:
- Benefits starting Day 1
- Competitive starting pay
- On-the-job training
- A culture that strongly believes in promoting from within
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- 401k with company matching & retirement contribution
- Employee Stock Purchase plan
- Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Paid vacations and holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
Invitation to Apply:
If you are ready to build your career in a company that thrives on growth, a safe work environment, rewarding work, challenge, and opportunity, come build your career with us at West Fraser: www.westfraser.com
West Fraser is a diversified North American wood products company producing southern yellow pine lumber and wood chips across the Southern US and Western Canada. We are the largest lumber producer in North America!
West Fraser is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/D & Drug Free Workplace (DFW)