Associate Accountant Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

Collections Specialist | Primient
About Primient
Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. We're investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we're focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate.
About the Role
The Collection Specialist is responsible for managing accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, including collecting outstanding invoices, resolving customer disputes, processing vendor payments, and providing U.S. accounts payable support by assisting with payment inquiries, vendor communication, and issue resolution to ensure timely and accurate financial operations.
Key responsibilities: Collections Specialist

• Collect and follow up on outstanding customer invoices to ensure timely payment.
• Monitor accounts receivable aging reports and prioritize overdue accounts.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, payment disputes, and account issues.
• Maintain accurate customer account records and collection notes.
• Communicate professionally with customers regarding payment status and account balances.
• Collaborate with internal departments such as Sales, Customer Service, and Accounting to resolve payment delays.
• Reconcile customer payments, credit memos, and adjustments.
• Support accounts payable activities, including invoice verification and vendor communication.
• Provide U.S. accounts payable support for business deposits, check pass, etc.
• Provide updates on outstanding balances and collection activities.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, financial procedures, and collection regulations.
• Assist in improving collection processes and reducing delinquent accounts.

About You

• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution abilities
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Customer-focused with a professional attitude
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
• Analytical thinking and decision-making skills
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred
• Equivalent work experience may be considered
• Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Office applications
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills
• 2+ years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, or accounting support
• Experience handling customer disputes and overdue accounts
• Previous exposure to accounts payable functions preferred
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Understanding of accounting principles and financial processes
• Knowledge of collection procedures and credit management
• Familiarity with U.S. accounts payable processes and vendor payment practices
• Understanding of customer service best practices
• Knowledge of compliance standards and financial controls

Total Rewards
The annual pay range estimated for this position is $41,104.80 - $51,381.00 + overtime
Please note that while this range reflects the full spectrum of compensation available for this role, individual compensation will be determined based on several factors including your experience, skills, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. During the interview process there will be an opportunity to discuss how your background fits into the pay range.
We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes:

• Competitive Pay
• Multiple Healthcare plan choices
• Dental and vision insurance
• A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans
• Paid holidays & vacation
• Floating days off
• Parental leave for new parents
• Employee resource groups
• Learning & development programs
• Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future

Career Path & Culture
Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in - ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning.
Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow,
Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce.
California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA")
The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.