Specialist I - Accounts Receivable

Position Summary

The Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing and collecting outstanding accounts receivable balances from commercial customers. This role focuses on reducing delinquency, improving cash flow, resolving payment disputes, and maintaining positive customer relationships while adhering to company policies and credit procedures. The successful candidate will work closely with customers, sales teams, customer service, and finance departments to ensure timely payment of invoices and accurate account reconciliation.

Key Responsibilities

• Contact commercial customers by phone, email, and written correspondence regarding past-due invoices.
• Review of invoice and payment status on customer facing portals
• Monitor accounts receivable aging reports and prioritize collection efforts based on risk and delinquency levels.
• Investigate and resolve payment delays, billing discrepancies, deductions, and disputes.
• Negotiate payment arrangements with customers while aligning with company credit policies.
• Maintain detailed collection notes and account activity records within the ERP or accounts receivable system.
• Review customer accounts to identify trends, potential credit risks, and escalating delinquency concerns.
• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Operations teams to resolve issues impacting payment.
• Reconcile customer accounts and ensure unapplied cash, credits, and deductions are addressed promptly.
• Prepare and maintain weekly cash collection forecasts, providing visibility into expected cash receipts and highlighting collection risks or delays.
• Escalate high-risk or severely delinquent accounts to management when appropriate.
• Recommend accounts for credit hold, collection agency placement, or legal action based on established guidelines.
• Meet established key performance indicators (KPIs), including collection effectiveness, DSO reduction, percentage past due reduction, cash forecasting accuracy, and dispute resolution targets.
• Assist with month-end reporting and audit requirements related to accounts receivable.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of commercial collections, accounts receivable, or credit and collections experience.
• Strong understanding of accounts receivable processes, collection practices, and cash application fundamentals.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and ERP systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent negotiation, problem-solving, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience with Sage, or similar ERP systems.
• Experience with Ariba, Coupa, Oracle Isupplier, Textura
• Knowledge of commercial credit principles and financial statement analysis.
• Experience managing business-to-business (B2B) customer accounts.

Key Competencies

• Customer Relationship Management
• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Thinking
• Conflict Resolution
• Cash Forecasting and Reporting
• Professional Communication
• Results Orientation

Performance Metrics

• Percentage of Accounts Receivable Past Due (% Past Due)
• Days Sales Outstanding (DSO)
• Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI)
• Weekly Cash Forecast Accuracy
• Dispute Resolution Cycle Time
• Cash Collections Against Target
• Customer Satisfaction and Relationship Management

Working Conditions

• Remote work environment with the ability to work independently while maintaining high levels of productivity and accountability.
• Regular interaction with customers, sales personnel, customer service representatives, and finance teams through phone, email, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Occasional requirement to handle challenging collection situations while maintaining professionalism and strong customer relationships.
• Participation in virtual team meetings, training sessions, and periodic business reviews.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.

Work Environment

Requires the ability to sit for extended periods, stand, bend, walk, communicate via telephone, computer and/or face-to-face contact, vision to monitor, and use basic office equipment such as a personal computer, copier and fax machines regularly during the course of work. May be required to operate vehicle for Company business. Work is performed in and out of an office environment.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

AAP/EEO Statement: 

Centerline is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Who We Are:

At Centerline, we design, build, and maintain industry-leading critical infrastructure across North America. Our technicians, engineers, and professional staff bring unmatched expertise to each job, working as a team to deliver consistent, exceptional results. That’s why Fortune 500 clients choose Centerline again and again for a wide range of projects.

With demand for connectivity at an all-time high, Centerline’s opportunities for growth are limitless — and so are yours. We’re committed to fostering your professional advancement and supporting your career journey.

We look for team members who demonstrate our core values: Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, and Reliability. Our values are key to our team’s success and driving everyone to reach their full potential. As a member of our winning team, you’ll receive comprehensive insurance benefits — medical, dental, and vision — plus a 401(k) plan, referral bonuses, and generous PTO. 

Join us today. Together, we’re building a better network.