Collections Specialist

The Accounts Receivable / B2B Collections Specialist is responsible for managing and executing business-to-business collection activities to recover overdue balances while maintaining strong customer relationships. This role requires a proactive approach to collections, strong communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to resolve payment issues efficiently. The specialist plays a key role in improving cash flow, reducing aging balances, and supporting the overall financial health of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage collection efforts for past-due business accounts by developing and executing account-specific follow-up strategies based on customer history and account status.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for customers regarding outstanding invoices, past-due balances, and payment concerns, using professional communication to secure payment while maintaining positive business relationships.
• Review aging reports, account activity, and payment trends to identify delinquent accounts, prioritize collection efforts, and escalate risk when appropriate.
• Negotiate payment arrangements and resolve outstanding balances in alignment with company policies and customer agreements.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, short payments, deductions, unapplied cash, and customer disputes in a timely and professional manner.
• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of collection activity, customer communications, payment commitments, and account updates within the appropriate systems.
• Partner with internal teams, including billing, customer service, sales, and accounting, to resolve account issues and support timely collections.
• Monitor account performance and proactively escalate significantly past-due or high-risk accounts to management as needed.
• Ensure all collection activities are conducted in accordance with company policies, customer requirements, and established internal procedures.
• Prepare reports related to accounts receivable aging, collection performance, dispute trends, and cash flow impact.
• Identify opportunities to improve accounts receivable and B2B collections processes to enhance efficiency, reduce delinquency, and support working capital goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounts receivable, B2B collections, commercial collections, or credit and collections, preferably in a fast-paced environment.
• High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Strong understanding of accounts receivable processes, aging analysis, account reconciliation, and commercial collections practices.
• Experience researching and resolving invoice discrepancies, deductions, disputes, and payment variances.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to secure payment while preserving customer relationships.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage a high volume of accounts with professionalism and tact.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, collections software, CRM platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding collection and aging reduction goals.