Credit & Collections Specialist

The primary responsibilities of the Credit & Collections Specialist are to collect payment and maintain customer accounts according to company policy, ensuring that accounts are in a current, accurate, and organized condition at all times. In addition, this position must also communicate with the Credit Manager and other internal concerned parties to make sure that high-risk accounts are closely watched and placed on hold when necessary.

SPS Companies, Inc. was established in 1951, and consists of three divisions. Our Plumbing/Heating (HVAC) division is a wholesale distributor of products and services for Residential and Commercial Plumbing, Mechanical and Industrial Piping, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration. We currently have Plumbing & HVAC locations in Minnesota, Colorado, and North Dakota. Our fire protection division offers pipe fabrication and fire protection products such as pipe, fittings, valves, sprinkler heads, pipe hangers, and fire protection accessories. We currently have locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri. Our metals division supplies professional roofing, sheet metal, specialty copper and architectural metal. It is located in Minnesota.

SPS is an Employee-Owned Company (ESOP) and has been since 1989. Our employees have a vested interest in the success of SPS, which leads to greater motivation and productivity as they are really "owners" rather than "employees". This ownership mentality filters down to the customer level, so when a customer calls or stops in at SPS they are being served by people who are self-inclined to deliver the best service possible.

Job Responsibilities:

• Review Accounts receivable aging and make collection calls on all past due balances. Initiate and pursue collection on past due invoices. Timely follow up is essential to collect payments and enforce cash discount terms
• Review account history, release or hold customer orders based on credit guidelines, customer profile, and payment trend
• Document all customer contacts
• Monitor credit limits for existing customers
• Monitor credit exposures and payment trends on marginal accounts
• Run updated credit reports for existing accounts as deemed necessary and attach all documents to the customer file
• Research credit memos and other payment/account discrepancies
• Review current publications, trade magazines for third party customer information
• Process credit references from outside companies
• Attend Plumbing, Heating, A/C Credit Group meetings
• Maintain computerized customer files by scanning important documents such as credit application and personal guarantees onto customer accounts
• Assist with the processing of credit applications, obtaining bank and trade references
• Requesting Dun and Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax reports on new accounts and updating existing accounts
• Filing as needed
• The right candidate must be well organized, be able to communicate well with customers, and maintain an excellent working relationship with both external and internal customers, as well as their colleagues on the credit team.

Qualifications/Requirements:
The duties and responsibilities listed above are representative of the knowledge and skills that the candidate should possess. Other requirements include:

• Adherence to deadlines and schedules with special emphasis on month end processing
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Detail orientated
• Flexible
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills
• Able to adapt quickly to changing priorities, take direction, and be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Must be able to handle customers in a tactful manner, maintain customer confidentiality, and follow through on collection issues
• Proficient with networking computer environments and Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word

Education and/or Experience:

• Minimum 2-year degree or similar work experience
• Experience should include collections, accounts receivable aging, and cash receipts

This is a full-time position, eligible for medical, dental, life and AD&D, long-term and short-term disability insurance. SPS Companies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are a drug-free workplace, with pre-employment drug screening required. .