AR & Collections Specialist

About the Role

Taher is seeking a hands-on Senior Accounts Receivable & Collections Specialist to take full ownership of the collections process and help strengthen cash flow. This individual will be responsible for reducing past-due receivables, developing effective collection strategies, resolving customer account issues, improving processes, and providing clear visibility into collection risks and expected cash receipts.

The ideal candidate combines persistence and sound judgment with a professional, relationship-focused approach. This person will work directly with customers and internal teams, lead improvements within the accounts receivable function, and support general accounting and month-end activities related to accounts receivable.

• Take full ownership of the collections process across assigned customer accounts.
• Develop and execute collection strategies to reduce aging, improve cash flow, and support timely payment.
• Analyze aging trends, customer payment patterns, disputes, and collection risks; recommend appropriate actions.
• Proactively contact customers regarding past-due balances, payment status, invoice disputes, and promised payment dates.
• Build positive customer relationships while maintaining consistent, professional, and effective collection follow-up.
• Research and resolve payment delays, deductions, billing disputes, and account discrepancies.
• Negotiate payment arrangements when appropriate and
  ** escalate significant collection risks to Finance leadership.**
• Maintain complete and accurate collection notes, commitments, follow-up dates, and supporting documentation.
• Provide clear reporting on collection status, high-risk accounts, disputes, expected receipts, and actions required.
• Drive measurable reduction of past-due receivables and strengthen accountability for customer follow-up.

• Ensure customer invoices and billing statements are accurate, timely, and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Apply customer payments accurately and research unapplied or misapplied cash.
• Reconcile customer accounts and resolve billing and payment discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate customer records and supporting documentation.
• Prepare and enhance accounts receivable aging, collections, cash application, and cash forecast reporting.
• Partner with Operations, Accounting, and other departments to resolve customer and billing issues.

• Lead process improvement initiatives within collections and accounts receivable.
• Identify opportunities to automate manual activities, improve reporting, and strengthen follow-up workflows.
• Develop and document clear, repeatable standard operating procedures.
• Use approved technology and AI tools to improve account research, reporting, productivity, and customer follow-up.
• Support ERP, reporting, and financial system enhancements affecting accounts receivable.
• Help strengthen internal controls, data accuracy, and accountability across the accounts receivable process.

• Prepare accounts receivable reconciliations, supporting schedules, and related journal entries.
• Analyze general ledger activity related to accounts receivable and resolve discrepancies.
• Assist with month-end close, financial reporting, and audit requests related to accounts receivable.
• Collaborate with the accounting team on broader process improvements and finance initiatives.

Taher is a family-owned, chef-driven food service management company operating in 27 states. We partner with schools, healthcare facilities, senior living communities, corporate dining programs, and other organizations to deliver high-quality food…