AR Staff Accountant

AR Staff Accountant

Job Description

The AR/Collections Specialist supports core financial operations with a focus on accounts receivable, journal entries, and month-end close. This role ensures the accuracy of financial records, manages collections and fixed assets, and provides clear insight into financial performance. The AR/Collections Specialist also contributes to a strong internal control environment, drives process improvements, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to support informed business decisions.

Responsibilities

+ Process and post customer payments, including credit card transactions, discounts, and other forms of remittance, ensuring timely and accurate application to customer accounts.

+ Manage collections activities by conducting proactive customer outreach, coordinating payment plans, and following up on past-due balances to reduce delinquency and improve cash flow.

+ Monitor customer accounts for prepayment requirements and identify accounts that require service holds due to non-payment, escalating issues as appropriate.

+ Support the monthly accounts receivable aging review and provide input on account status and risk assessments.

+ Prepare recommendations for write-offs based on collection efforts, aging analysis, and established policies.

+ Coordinate with third-party collection agencies as needed to support recovery efforts on delinquent accounts.

+ Prepare and post journal entries for a variety of financial transactions, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and proper documentation.

+ Reconcile general ledger accounts regularly, investigate variances, and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.

+ Support the month-end close process by preparing schedules, reconciliations, and journal entries to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

+ Maintain the fixed asset register and depreciation schedules, ensuring all additions, disposals, and transfers are properly recorded.

+ Track capital expenditures and ensure appropriate classification, including construction-in-progress, accruals, and other capital categories.

+ Prepare and record monthly depreciation and related journal entries in accordance with accounting policies.

+ Develop clear and concise commentary on monthly financial metrics by explaining variances, identifying underlying causes, and outlining potential business impacts for management.

+ Collaborate cross-functionally with departments such as operations, sales, and human resources to gather context and ensure accurate interpretation of financial variances.

+ Ensure all financial processes are documented with standardized operating procedures and kept current as processes evolve.

+ Streamline financial processes by leveraging technology and automation tools to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and consistency in financial operations.

+ Develop and maintain a robust internal control framework to safeguard company assets, support accurate financial reporting, and promote compliance with applicable requirements.

+ Promote a culture of continuous improvement by regularly evaluating financial processes and controls, seeking feedback, and implementing enhancements to drive operational excellence.

+ Support new customer account setup by coordinating with sales and operations to ensure accurate and complete information is captured in the system.

+ Administer rebate, voucher, and redemption programs, ensuring accurate tracking, validation, and accounting for these activities.

+ Perform audits and reconciliations related to insurance payments, identifying discrepancies and ensuring proper resolution.

+ Assist with audits and ad hoc projects as assigned, providing analysis, documentation, and support to the finance and accounting team.

+ Take on additional tasks and projects as assigned to support the Manager of Finance & Accounting and broader organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

+ 2-5 years of relevant accounting experience, preferably with exposure to accounts receivable, general ledger, or month-end close processes.

+ Hands-on experience with accounts receivable processes, including billing, collections, and reconciliations.

+ Demonstrated collections experience, including customer outreach and negotiation of payment arrangements.

+ Experience preparing and posting journal entries and reconciling general ledger accounts.

+ Proficiency with ERP systems, such as Sage Intacct or similar platforms.

+ Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to work with spreadsheets, formulas, and financial data analysis.

+ Solid understanding of general accounting principles and month-end close procedures.

+ Ability to interpret financial variances, create monthly commentary, and provide actionable insights for cross-functional teams.

+ Demonstrated ability to design, document, and enforce standard operating procedures and internal controls to support accuracy and compliance.

+ Evidence of leading or contributing to process improvement…