Accounts Receivable Specialist

Accounts Receivable Specialist# Accounts Receivable Specialist
150 Liberty Street - Winona, MN 55987## Overview Salary Range $21.63 - $26.44 Hourly## Description### Position Summary The Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for managing customer accounts receivable, administering credit and collection activities, processing cash receipts, and resolving customer deductions. This position plays a key role in maintaining accurate financial records, minimizing past-due balances, and supporting positive customer relationships. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and able to communicate effectively with both internal teams and external customers.###

Key Responsibilities
* Administer company credit policies, including processing credit applications, performing credit checks, establishing credit limits, and maintaining customer account information.
* Monitor and analyze accounts receivable aging reports, identify past-due balances, and proactively follow up with customers to ensure timely collections.
* Investigate and resolve customer deductions, retail chargebacks, promotional allowances, and payment discrepancies in collaboration with Sales, Accounting, and Customer Service teams.
* Process and accurately apply customer payments, including checks, electronic payments, and other cash receipts.
* Maintain accurate accounts receivable records, supporting documentation, and customer account information.
* Communicate professionally with customers regarding outstanding balances, payment arrangements, account discrepancies, and credit-related inquiries.
* Track and report key accounts receivable metrics, including aging trends, collection performance, and credit activity.
* Assist with month-end closing activities, account reconciliations, and other accounting responsibilities as assigned.
* Identify opportunities to improve accounts receivable processes, accuracy, and  addition to working in a strategic, dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a tight knit team, The Watkins Company offers a competitive benefits package including best in class Medical, Dental, Life and AD&D Insurance, 100% employer paid leave, as well as a flexible working environment, hybrid scheduling for remote and in office work, generous PTO package available upon hire, 10 fully paid holidays, and $1 for $1 401k match program.

The Watkins Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-Hybrid## Qualifications
*
* Required:

*** Associate's degree in Accounting or a related field.
* Minimum of six months of relevant accounting or financial experience, preferably in accounts receivable.
* Intermediate or higher proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Outlook.
* Strong attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy in financial transactions and recordkeeping.
* Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to professionally address customer payment issues.
* Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
** Preferred:
*** Previous experience with accounts receivable, credit administration, collections, or cash application.
* Experience working with accounting software or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
* Familiarity with Vertex sales tax software.
* Experience resolving retail customer deductions, chargebacks, and promotional allowances.
* Experience in a manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, or distribution environment.