Accounts Receivable Specialist

<p><strong>Position Summary</strong></p><p>We are seeking a detail-oriented <strong>Accounts Receivable Specialist</strong> to join our Accounting team. This position will be primarily responsible for customer payments, collections, sales discounts, deduction management, account reconciliations, and maintaining accurate customer account balances.</p><p><br /></p><p>The ideal candidate will have practical accounting experience, strong analytical skills, and the ability to research and resolve customer account discrepancies in a fast-paced distribution and import environment.</p><p><br /></p><p>This role will work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Finance to ensure timely collection of receivables, accurate processing of customer deductions, and proper resolution of account issues.</p><p><br /></p><p>While the primary focus of this position is Accounts Receivable, the individual will also assist with month-end closing activities, account reconciliations, accrual support, and other general accounting functions as needed.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></p><p><strong>Accounts Receivable &amp; Collections</strong></p><ul><li>Apply customer payments and cash receipts accurately and timely.</li><li>Monitor customer account balances and aging reports.</li><li>Follow up on past due invoices and assist with collection activities.</li><li>Communicate with customers regarding payment issues and account discrepancies.</li><li>Maintain accurate customer records within the ERP system.</li><li>Prepare periodic accounts receivable reporting.</li></ul><p><strong>Customer Deductions &amp; Sales Discounts</strong></p><ul><li>Review, research, and reconcile customer deductions, shortages, chargebacks, promotional allowances, and sales discounts.</li><li>Obtain supporting documentation and coordinate with internal departments to validate deductions.</li><li>Track open deduction balances and monitor resolution progress.</li><li>Prepare deduction summaries and account analyses.</li><li>Assist in identifying trends and recurring deduction issues.</li></ul><p><strong>Reconciliations &amp; Accounting Support</strong></p><ul><li>Perform customer account reconciliations.</li><li>Assist with bank reconciliations and cash balancing.</li><li>Support month-end close activities through preparation of schedules and account analyses.</li><li>Assist with accruals and journal entries as assigned.</li><li>Maintain supporting documentation for audit and financial reporting purposes.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Qualifications</strong></p><p><strong>Required</strong></p><ul><li>2+ years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Collections, Bookkeeping, or Accounting.</li><li>Solid understanding of accounting principles and customer account reconciliations.</li><li>Experience managing customer deductions, sales discounts, chargebacks, or payment discrepancies.</li><li>Strong organizational and follow-up skills.</li><li>Ability to manage multiple priorities in a medium-to-high volume environment.</li><li>Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.</li><li>Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.</li></ul><p><strong>Preferred</strong></p><ul><li>Experience in wholesale distribution, food distribution, importing, manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG).</li><li>Experience working with retailer and distributor accounts.</li><li>ERP experience (Deacom experience is a plus).</li><li>Experience working with deductions from customers such as Walmart, Publix, Kroger, Costco, UNFI, KeHE, or similar accounts.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Excel Skills</strong></p><p>Candidates should demonstrate proficiency with:</p><ul><li>XLOOKUP</li><li>VLOOKUP</li><li>SUMIFS</li><li>Pivot Tables</li><li>Data analysis and reporting</li><li>Working with large customer deduction and payment datasets</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Desired Characteristics</strong></p><ul><li>Detail-oriented and highly organized.</li><li>Persistent and professional when following up on outstanding balances.</li><li>Comfortable working in a collaborative environment.</li><li>Willing to learn new systems and processes.</li><li>Ability to analyze and resolve issues independently.</li></ul><p><br /></p>