Credit Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SUMMARY

The Assistant Credit Manager serves as a senior-level credit professional responsible for evaluating customer creditworthiness, managing credit risk, supporting collection activities, and helping maintain healthy cash flow while supporting sales growth. This position combines advanced credit analysis responsibilities with leadership and operational support for the Credit Department. 

The Assistant Credit Manager acts as the primary backup to the Credit Manager and assists in overseeing departmental operations, training staff, implementing process improvements, and managing special projects. The role requires independent decision-making, strong financial analysis skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across Sales, Customer Service, Accounting, Operations, and Executive Management. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other job-related duties may be assigned.

Credit Analysis & Risk Management 

• Analyze customer financial statements, credit reports, trade references, payment histories, and industry trends to determine appropriate credit limits and terms. 

• Review and approve new customer credit applications within assigned authority levels. 

• Recommend credit limit increases, decreases, account holds, and other risk mitigation measures. 

• Monitor customer portfolios for changes in financial condition, payment performance, and overall risk exposure. 

• Perform ongoing financial statement analysis and credit reviews for key accounts. 

• Identify high-risk accounts and recommend appropriate protective measures, including personal guarantees, liens, standby letters of credit, or other credit enhancements. 

• Support bad debt reserve analysis and assist with forecasting potential credit losses. 

Collections & Accounts Receivable Management 

• Assist with processing cash applications and credit memos in AS400 system. 

• Review aging reports and partner with collection staff to improve past-due account performance. 

• Work directly with customers to resolve complex collection issues and payment disputes. 

• Assist with negotiating payment plans and collection strategies for delinquent accounts. 

• Serve as liaison with 

Leadership & Department Support 

• Serve as backup to the Credit Manager and assume responsibility for day-to-day departmental operations in the Credit Manager's absence. 

• Provide guidance, training, and technical support to Credit Analysts, Credit Coordinators, and Collection Specialists. 

Reporting, Systems & Process Improvement 

• Constantly evaluate credit processes and recommend opportunities for operational improvement. 

• Collaborate with the IT Department to develop system enhancements, workflow efficiencies, and reporting improvements. 

• Prepare recurring and ad hoc management reports related to accounts receivable, credit exposure, collections performance, and customer risk. 

• Assist with month-end closing activities related to accounts receivable and bad debt reserves. 

• Operate and maintain retailer portals including Home Depot, Lowe's, and other customer payment platforms. 

• Lead or participate in special projects designed to improve Credit Department effectiveness and efficiency. 

Audit & Compliance Support

• Support the annual external financial audit by preparing account analyses, aging schedules, customer support documentation, and audit reports.
• Research and respond to auditor questions regarding customer account activity, payment history, collection efforts, and credit decisions.
• Assist the Credit Manager in gathering, validating, and organizing documentation requested during the annual audit.
• Review supporting schedules and account reconciliations to ensure completeness and accuracy before submission to auditors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provides day-to-day leadership and guidance to Credit Department personnel. 

• May oversee assigned staff, projects, or functional activities as delegated by the Credit Manager. 

• Acts in a supervisory capacity when the Credit Manager is unavailable. 

• Assists with employee training, coaching, performance feedback, and development. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Manufacturing, industrial, building products, or construction-related industry experience strongly preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of financial statement analysis, commercial credit evaluation, and credit risk management. 
• Thorough understanding of accounts receivable and commercial collections processes. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence others without direct authority. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field preferred. 

• 7+ years of experience in commercial credit, accounts receivable, or collections. 

• Prior experience leading projects, mentoring staff, or performing supervisory responsibilities preferred. 

• Experience working with distributors, contractors, retailers, and industrial customers preferred. 

• Management experience preferred 

COMPUTER SKILLS

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. 

• Strong Excel skills including pivot tables, lookups, formulas, financial analysis, and reporting. 

• Experience with ERP systems such as AS400, SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, NetSuite, or similar platforms. 

• Experience with credit reporting services and online customer payment portals. 

• Ability to create and analyze complex financial and operational reports.