Bilingual Credit/Collections Specialist

Job Description:  an internationally recognized top store fixture manufacturer.

 

The Credit Collector provides support to the Credit Manager and assumes responsibility for collection and credit management activity of assigned accounts Manages risk through collection of the accounts receivable as well as adherence to Credit and Collection Policies. Contacts customers with delinquent accounts, reconciles discrepancies, identifies deductions, initiates appropriate action to resolve disputes and follows up with appropriate personnel for resolution, maintains records of all calls and actions taken to collect debts.

 

· Reviews status of delinquent assigned accounts and initiates collection action by contacting each account according to due date.

· Prepares weekly report on all delinquent accounts over 60 days and reviews with Credit Manager

· Participates in the timely and accurate preparation and distribution of various financial and credit information including cash forecasts and month A/R status reports.

· Logs all contact names, numbers, and titles in customer master record.

· Responsible for documenting all collection calls, conversations, notes, emails, and actions taken to collect debts and resolve disputes and discrepancies.

· Establishes schedule for follow-up calls.

· Initiates appropriate follow up action on mail returned as undeliverable.

· Reconciles discrepancies and takes appropriate action to resolve

· Researches disputed account balances. Corrects any errors, including misapplied payments, notifies appropriate personnel regarding disputes and follows up for resolution in a timely manner.

· Provides copies of invoices, proof of delivery, freight bills, and accurate statements to customers on an as requested basis.

· Notifies appropriate sales personnel of accounts, which are within a week of being placed on credit hold including regional sales manager, National Director of Sales, and VP of Sales and Marketing. Advises appropriate personnel on reason why account is going to be placed on hold, actions taken to collect the debt, and balance that is required to keep account from going on credit hold.

· Researches customer’s websites and pay sites when appropriate to ensure that all invoices have been transmitted via EDI and researches payment status.

· Provides written detailed notification to Credit Manager of any accounts, which are believed to being a high risk of being classified as bad debt.

· Reviews cash receipts report daily to ensure that no calls are made to collect a paid item.

· Places accounts on credit hold in accordance with Credit and Collection Policies. Advises all appropriate personnel including but not limited to, Credit Manager, assigned Sales Personnel, Regional Sales Manager, National Sales Director, VP of Sales and Marketing, Customer Service, Credit Clerk, and Shipping Personnel. 

· Ensures that accurate customer master addresses and phone numbers are maintained. Obtains sufficient written documentation from customer regarding name change, change of address and/or phone numbers, additional bill to addresses which need to be established and other data pertinent to customer master records and forwards information to Customer Maintenance and Credit Clerk. NOTE: NAME CHANGES REQUIRE APPROVAL OF CREDIT MANAGER BEFORE SUBMITTING TO CUSTOMER MAINTENANCE AND CREDIT CLERK.

· Responsible for adhering to all Credit and Collection Policies and Company policies including Safety.

· Responsible for maintaining confidentiality of customer’s financial status and other credit information or discussions.

· Assists in special projects as requested.

· Train and assists other Credit personnel on an as-needed basis.Other duties as assigned by Credit Manager

Special Requirements:

· Minimum 2 years related experience in accounts receivable or credit and collections preferably commercial credit experience.

· Working knowledge of Fair Debt Collection Act, Antitrust Laws, State laws, and Federal laws concerning collection activities.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills.

· Ability to recommend and develop new ideas, approaches, or methods that support the department/company.

· Well organized. Ability to meet deadlines, set work priorities and effectively manage time with minimum supervision. 

· Reliable, self-motivated, and quick learner. Positive attitude.

· Ability to work with sales personnel in a friendly manner to achieve company goals of maximum sales and collections at minimum risk

· Diplomacy and ability to function as a member in a team environment.

· Firm but courteous telephone manner.

· Must be able to refrain from discussing confidential information with parties that are not on a need to know basis.