Collections Specialist

Job Title:

Collections Specialist

Job Description

Collections Specialist manages customer receivables, supports credit management activities, and delivers high-quality customer service while ensuring timely collection of outstanding balances. This role partners closely with sales and credit management teams, supports credit-related audits, and helps maintain compliant and effective credit practices across a defined customer territory.

Responsibilities

+ Collect customer receivables across the organization in a timely and professional manner.

+ Assist customers with account inquiries and troubleshoot account balance issues to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.

+ Provide consistent coverage for credit matters during company business hours as part of the credit management team.

+ Assist in reviewing and releasing credit holds in accordance with established policies and procedures.

+ Develop and maintain strong relationships with customers while collecting balances due, ensuring a high level of customer service.

+ Build and maintain strong internal relationships across the organization, including proactive communication and collaboration with sales associates on collection efforts.

+ Support the setup of new customer accounts and ensure accurate credit and account information is entered into the system.

+ Provide documentation and support for state and local sales tax audits, ensuring completeness and accuracy of required records.

+ Collaborate closely with another Credit and Collections Specialist to share responsibilities and, after training, manage an assigned collections territory to avoid overlap.

+ Utilize the ERP system and Excel to extract, organize, and review account and collections data for reporting and decision-making.

+ Apply knowledge of credit laws, regulations, and credit risk management methods when handling customer accounts and collection activities.

+ Escalate complex credit or collection issues to Credit Managers and support them in managing regional credit portfolios.

Essential Skills

+ At least 1 year of experience managing credit for small to large customers.

+ Experience in the construction-related industry, such as electrical supply or distribution environments.

+ Hands-on experience with collections and accounts receivable processes.

+ Experience in credit management, including credit review and decision support.

+ Knowledge and understanding of credit laws and regulations, including Truth in Lending, Fair Credit Reporting, and Fair Debt Collection Practices.

+ Familiarity with credit risk management methods, such as liens, payment bonds, joint checks, and personal guarantees.

+

Experience with new account setup and credit account configuration.

+ Strong customer service skills, with the ability to handle account inquiries and resolve issues professionally.

+ Ability to work effectively as part of a credit management team and support regional Credit Managers.

+ Proficiency using ERP systems, with experience using Eclipse (Epicor product) or similar tools.

+ Basic proficiency in Excel, including exporting and organizing data from ERP systems into spreadsheets.

+ Strong communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships across customers and internal teams.

+ Ability to work a consistent 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule to provide full coverage for credit matters.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Interest in expanding skills and growing within credit and collections and broader credit management functions.

+ Experience working in a distributed credit team that supports multiple regions or territories.

+ Comfort working in a role that may initially be a 6-9 month contract, with potential for future conversion depending on business needs.

+ Ability to collaborate closely with another Credit and Collections Specialist to coordinate responsibilities and territory assignments.

+ Strong attention to detail when preparing documentation for state and local sales tax audits.

+ Ability to adapt to evolving processes and systems within an established credit function.

Work Environment

The credit team consists of five professionals located across multiple states, including Credit Managers and Credit and Collections Support Specialists who collaborate regionally. This role supports designated territories and works closely with regional Credit Managers. The organization uses Eclipse, an Epicor ERP product, as the primary system for managing credit and receivables, and relies on Excel for basic data exports and organization rather than advanced functions.

The position is based in the office five days per week, with a consistent 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule to ensure coverage through the end of the business day. The culture emphasizes shared ownership through an employee stock ownership structure, a strong retirement benefits package, volunteer time off, and a focus on long-term stability and growth for employees.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and…