Collections Associate

Collections/AR Associate

The Collections/AR Associate monitors and manages a portfolio of past-due customer accounts, focusing primarily on email communication to resolve issues and secure timely payments. This role investigates invoice discrepancies, collaborates closely with internal teams, and maintains detailed records to support accurate accounts receivable processes. The Collections Associate provides exceptional customer service while balancing the need to collect outstanding balances and preserve strong customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage an assigned portfolio of past-due accounts, using primarily email communication to engage customers and drive resolution.
• Investigate and resolve invoice issues, including incorrect purchase orders, pricing discrepancies, missing documentation, and customer system errors.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as billing, sales, customer service, and operations to remove obstacles that prevent timely payment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of customer interactions, payment commitments, follow-up actions, and account status updates.
• Analyze account trends to identify recurring issues, and recommend escalations or process improvements when necessary.
• Follow up on outstanding balances in a professional and persistent manner while maintaining strong, positive customer relationships.
• Assist in applying payments and reconciling customer accounts to ensure accurate and up-to-date financial records.
• Support accounts receivable month-end close activities as needed.
• Provide exceptional customer service by guiding customers through their accounts payable processes to help them successfully issue payment.

Essential Skills

• Experience in collections, accounts receivable, or accounts payable preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills to resolve complex billing and payment issues.
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple customer accounts concurrently.
• Excellent written communication skills, with comfort managing the majority of customer interactions via email.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to maintain positive relationships while driving results and securing payments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Familiarity with customer support and collections customer service practices.
• Background in accounts receivable and collection activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Proficiency with ERP or accounting systems is a plus.
• Experience in customer service environments is beneficial.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams such as billing, sales, customer service, and operations.
• Capability to analyze account trends and contribute to continuous process improvement.

Work Environment

The Collections Associate works in an office-based, professional environment that relies heavily on email communication and digital tools. The role requires frequent use of Microsoft Office and interaction with ERP or accounting systems to manage accounts and document activities. The position involves regular collaboration with internal departments such as billing, sales, customer service, and operations, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere focused on resolving customer issues and improving processes.

The work is detail-oriented and deadline-driven, particularly around accounts receivable month-end close activities, and emphasizes professional, courteous communication with customers at all times.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Highland Heights, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $25.00/hr individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant…