Accounts Receivable Specialist

Job Purpose

The Accounting Claims Specialist is responsible for researching, analyzing, and resolving customer deductions, disputes, and claims that impact accounts receivable balances. This role requires a highly detail-oriented individual who enjoys investigative work, problem-solving, and navigating multiple accounting and business systems to identify root causes and bring issues to resolution.

Success in this position requires persistence, curiosity, and the ability to manage detailed and repetitive accounting tasks while maintaining a high level of accuracy. The ideal candidate enjoys digging into discrepancies, reconciling data, and working through complex issues that may require coordination across departments.

The significant responsibilities of the position are listed below. To perform the job successfully, the individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties, assignments and specific projects may be assigned at the discretion of management.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Enter and apply daily cash receipts accurately and timely.
• Research, analyze, and resolve customer deductions, disputes, and claims.
• Investigate discrepancies between customer payments, invoices, promotions, pricing, freight charges, and returns.
• Reconcile customer accounts and identify root causes of outstanding claims and deductions.
• Utilize multiple accounting, ERP, customer portal, and reporting systems to gather information and resolve issues.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Supply Chain, Credit & Collections, and other departments to obtain supporting documentation and determine claim validity.
• Initiate recovery efforts for invalid customer deductions.
• Monitor open claims and ensure timely follow-up and resolution.
• Process returns and related accounting transactions.
• Maintain detailed documentation supporting claim investigations and resolutions.
• Identify trends and recurring issues and communicate findings to management.

Assist with special accounting projects and process improvement initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Previous experience in accounts receivable, claims resolution, deductions management, accounting support, customer financial services, or related analytical work preferred.
• Equivalent experience demonstrating strong analytical and problem-solving skills will be considered.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other business software applications.
• Ability to learn and navigate multiple accounting and ERP systems.

The ideal candidate:

• Enjoys researching and solving accounting-related discrepancies.
• Is naturally curious and likes figuring out how transactions connect across multiple systems.
• Is comfortable performing detailed, repetitive work that requires accuracy and consistency.
• Demonstrates persistence when investigating unresolved claims and deductions.
• Can independently manage a high volume of transactions and follow-through activities.
• Has strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Thrives in a role that requires both analytical thinking and process discipline.
• Is comfortable communicating findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Takes ownership of issues and drives them through completion.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical and investigative skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to interpret accounting transactions and supporting documentation.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines.
• Intermediate Microsoft Excel skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Normal office working conditions
• Requires long periods of sitting and computer usage
• Repetitive motions, particularly usage of keyboard and mouse
• Occasional lifting of file boxes, typically 10-20 pounds