Accounts Receivable Specialist

Job Title: Accounts Receivable Specialist

Department: Accounting

Reports to: Accounting Supervisor

Status: Full-time (Non-exempt)

Location: Springfield, MO

Salon Service Group, founded over 32 years ago, is the nation's largest privately-owned professional beauty distributor. SSG proudly partners with the Professional Beauty Industry exclusively, through salons, spas and stylists. We have conveniently located, professionally exclusive wholesale stores representing our independently owned, high-end professional portfolio of haircare brands across SSG territories. We are committed to excellent service, quality products and most importantly, we build strong lifelong partnerships with our customers. Our highest priority is to provide our customers with the tools and support that they need for success.

Job Summary:

Primary focus of this position will be the day-to-day management of accounts receivable collections

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Notify customers of delinquent accounts by telephone, email or mail to solicit payment on outstanding balances, returned checks/ACH or to return merchandise when applicable to satisfy balance
• Arrange for debt repayment or establish repayment schedules, based on customers' financial situations
• Advise customers of necessary actions and strategies for debt repayment while maintaining the customer relationship
• Work with internal SSG Salon Consultants and Management keeping them informed of delinquent accounts and status of accounts being worked
• Confer with customers by telephone to determine reasons for overdue payments and to review the terms of sales, service, or credit contracts
• Locate and monitor overdue accounts, using software and reports
• Answer customer questions regarding invoices and balances due with their accounts; analyzing transaction history and payment application
• Record information about financial status of customers and status of collection efforts
• Trace delinquent customers to new addresses by inquiring at post offices, telephone companies, and credit bureaus
• Sort and file correspondence and perform miscellaneous clerical duties, such as answering emails and writing reports
• Completing bank reconciliations for multiple bank accounts
• Working with retail stores on invoice corrections or any other credit related issues
• Support the Accounting department on various other projects and assignments as needed

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Previous professional experience in collections with 2-5 years preferred
• Experience working in a fast-paced and customer-focused environment
• Experience working with MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and working with accounting software packages
• Proficient in the use of systems to track Accounts Receivable balances and contact history with customers
• Strong technical aptitude to learn new software and systems
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and data entry accuracy
• Must be a problem solver who is able to resolve issues in a timely manner by gathering and analyzing information skillfully
• The ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects while meeting competing deadlines
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• Provide outstanding customer service with the ability to handle difficult conversations regarding collections with poise
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new tasks as business processes change, and as delays and unexpected events may happen
• High degree of accountability and initiative, able to work constructively and responsibly on his/her own

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of two years related experience required
• College experience or bachelor’s degree in Business with an accounting or finance emphasis is preferred

SSG is an EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION employer. Candidates are considered for employment with SSG without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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