For over 77 years, Ernest has been committed to the success of our extended family, our customers, our employees, and the packaging industry itself. When you work with Ernest, you'll enjoy the advantages of learning proven methods of success, a proactive approach, and having fun while earning what you're worth with a lot of really awesome people.
The Collections Specialist oversees the daily operations within our Credit Department reporting directly to the Director of Corporate Credit. This includes maximizing the profitability by making good credit decisions and collecting past due amounts before the debt becomes non collectable. Must have working knowledge of SAP and similar operating systems, Excel, Word, and excellent communication skills.
Essential Functions
Ernest commits to be the first and last stop for clients by understanding their immediate needs, broader objectives, expectations and responding with thoughtfulness, accuracy, and a sense of urgency to establish true partnership that last a lifetime.
Make outbound collection calls in a professional manner while keeping and improving customer relations for assigned divisions; minimal of one call per account
Review orders on credit hold as needed to ensure timely release and to determine if order needs to be held (past due balance). Goal is to have collections up to date as well as credit line to prevent credit hold
Obtain payment details for electronic funds transfer
Enter invoice information for accounts who required to submit invoices through their website/portal
Identify "problem accounts" and escalate to Director of Corporate Credit or Supervisor of Corporate Credit for assistance
Review credit applications, trade references, credit reports (D&B/Business Experian) to establish new customer accounts (within 48-hour turnaround)
Enlist the efforts of Client Relationship Managers and Director of Client Relations when necessary to accelerate the collection process
Reconciliation of short payments and disputes
Send invoices, proof of deliveries to customers when requested
Scan credit documents for paperless storage in "Docuware" system.
Assume personal accountability for balancing the demands of our sales force and customer base with our company policies to maximize probability
Evaluate existing customer base for line of credit and terms as necessary
Provide superior customer service to customers, branch offices and sales force
Identify projected legal and write-off accounts. Place accounts with collection agency once collection efforts have been exhausted
Negotiate payment plan for delinquent accounts. Seek assistance/guidance from Director of Corporate Credit for execution of payment plan
Provide weekly aging report status to the Director and Supervisor of Corporate Credit
Perform well under difficult deadlines, self-motivated and work independently with a minimum of supervision.
Other Functions
Perform other assigned tasks and duties necessary to support the Credit Department
Work as a team with sales, customers, other departments and members of the Credit department to increase sales and accelerate cash inflows and reduce credit risk
Receives guidelines from the Director of Corporate Credit and Supervisor of Corporate Credit
Qualifications
2 years experience in high volume corporate collections
Accounts Receivable knowledge/experience a plus
Knowledge of SAP or similar operating system a plus
Strong attention to detail, goal oriented
Excellent written and verbal communication
Proficient Microsoft skills; Excel and Word
Ability to refer to policy and procedures when applying information and making decisions
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities