Accountant I
- Somerset, NJ
- Contract
- Full-time
Benefits Available!
Weekly Pay!
$30.17/HourShift Timings : 1st shift
Day starts at : 08:00AM
Day Ends at : 05:00PM
Working Days : Monday - FridayJOB DESCRIPTION:Core Experience in Credit & Collections:Direct Collections Activities: The ability to actively pursue collections is essential.
This goes beyond sending reminders?it requires making outbound calls, negotiating payment plans, and building rapport with customers in order to collect monies owed from delinquent accounts within an assigned portfolio.
A hands-on collector understands the nuances of communication and adapts their approach for each customer, overcoming objections and identifying win-win solutions.Customer Account Reconciliations: Reconciling customer accounts is a daily reality.
This includes matching payments to invoices, investigating discrepancies, and ensuring accounts accurately reflect the customer?s financial standing.
The in the weeds professional doesn?t shy away from complicated reconciliations?they dig in, research underlying issues, and collaborate with other departments to resolve discrepancies swiftly.Order Review & Release: Reviewing orders on credit hold and determining whether to release or retain the order based on account status is a crucial function. This requires a measured, analytical approach, as well as the judgment to make decisions that balance customer needs with company risk.Dispute Resolution & Deductions: Addressing disputes and deductions calls for both tenacity and diplomacy.
Whether the dispute arises from a billing error, shipment issue, or contractual misunderstanding, the C&C professional investigates, coordinates with internal teams, and communicates clearly with the customer until a resolution is reached.Business-to-Business (BTB) Experience: Many credit professionals have experience dealing with business clients, where the stakes are higher and transactions more complex. BTB collections requires an understanding of corporate structures, payment cycles, and relationship management, all while maintaining professionalism and persistence.Aging Report Analysis: Reviewing aging reports to identify overdue accounts and prioritize collection activities is a fundamental skill.
The best professionals interpret the data, spot trends, and proactively address potential issues before they escalate.Cross-Departmental Familiarity: Effective collections professionals understand how Sales, Customer Service, Finance, and other departments influence accounts receivable. They work collaboratively, seeking information and support to resolve outstanding balances and payment disputes.Documentation & Proof of Delivery (POD): Pulling PODs and other documentation is vital when customers dispute charges or claim non-receipt of goods.
The ability to quickly locate, verify, and present supporting documents demonstrates thoroughness and reliability.Fast-Paced Environment: Success in C&C demands the ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities without losing focus or accuracy. The ideal candidate thrives in environments where deadlines are tight and activity volumes are high, using their organizational skills to stay on top of every detail.Additional Skills & Technological Proficiency:Collections Platforms: Expertise in collections tools and platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Eclipse, QuickBooks, and CRM systems is invaluable. These tools allow professionals to track communication, manage disputes, analyze account history, and automate routine processes.ERP Systems: Familiarity with ERP solutions (e.g., Oracle PeopleSoft) and credit reporting systems (Dun & Bradstreet, Credit safe) enables the professional to gather comprehensive data on customers, assess creditworthiness, and monitor risk exposure.Outbound Calling: Effective collectors are comfortable making outbound calls to customers, negotiating payment terms, and following up on outstanding balances. This skill requires persistence, tact, and exceptional verbal communication.Billing & Payment Plans: Experience with billing processes and structuring payment plans helps customers find solutions to settle accounts while maintaining positive relationships.
This also requires careful documentation and adherence to company policies.Vendor Negotiations: Negotiating with vendors over billing discrepancies or payment terms is an additional skill that strengthens a company?s financial position and helps maintain strong supply chain relationships.Review Orders on Credit Hold: Assessing credit hold status and determining the appropriate action?whether to release orders or hold pending account resolution?requires both analytical thinking and a willingness to take initiative.Key Responsibilities:Collect outstanding monies from delinquent accounts and advise Sales Consultants on collection strategies.
Identify potential bad debts and escalate unresolved accounts to management for further action, including outsourcing to collection agencies.
Respond to customer statement inquiries, answer correspondence and phone requests, and obtain information from Sales regarding returned mail.
Reconcile customer accounts, ensuring discrepancies are identified and resolved efficiently.
Review existing customer credit limits and authorize increases up to specified thresholds (e.g., $25,000).
Prepare documentation and recommend accounts for outsourcing after all internal collection attempts have failed.
Coordinate with internal departments to resolve disputes, reconcile balances, and answer customer inquiries regarding outstanding AR.
Assist with payment portal and e-delivery requests, enhancing customer access and satisfaction.Required Qualifications & Attributes:;Education & Experience: Bachelor?s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or equivalent industry experience.
3-5 years? direct Credit & Collections experience is preferred.
Communication Skills: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
The ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to queries from suppliers, customers, management, and inter-departmental staff.
Interpersonal Skills: Professional, interactive approach with both internal and external partners.
Must work constructively and proactively with a variety of colleagues.
Time Management: Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Customer Service Orientation: A commitment to prompt service and assistance, ensuring customer satisfaction and retention.
Problem Solving: Skill in timely identification and resolution of issues, using sound judgment and creative thinking.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing circumstances, new information, and evolving priorities.
Attention to Detail: Accuracy in recordkeeping, account reconciliation, and financial reporting.
Technical Proficiency: Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word) and knowledge of ERP/credit reporting systems.Conclusion:The ideal Credit & Collections professional is much more than an account manager?they are a dynamic problem solver, a diplomatic negotiator, and a cross-functional collaborator.
Their roll the sleeves up attitude means they are always ready to dive into the details, tackle tough challenges, and ensure every account is reconciled and every customer query is answered.
With proficiency in industry-leading tools, outstanding communication skills, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments, these professionals are vital contributors to any organization?s financial health and operational success.
A candidate with this level of experience and expertise will not only excel in collections but will lay the foundation for long-term growth and resilience across the business.
By embracing a hands-on approach and embodying these skills, the Credit & Collections professional ensures their company remains competitive, agile, and customer-focused in a demanding market.