Sr. Specialist, AR Collection & Deduction

POSITION PURPOSE :

This role accelerates business value by being responsible for the tracking and collection of open AR for key National and Regional Account customers. This involves timely research and resolution of outstanding payment issues, monitoring and resolution of cash application, and is expected to professionally represent Reddy Ice’s Accounts Receivable Organization, both internally and with external customer contacts. The role will be engaged in process improvement activities and assist in training of new accounts receivables team members as a subject matter expert. The position also requires a positive attitude and willingness to adapt to the changing needs of the business.

Demonstrates our “True North” attributes : voice of the customer, respect for the individual, no nonsense communication and utilization of facts, servant leadership and has a continuous improvement mindset in every facet of leadership and daily interaction. Leads, collaborates and demonstrates the lean principles and utilizes the lean methodologies and tools to facilitate continuous process improvements and value creation for our customers, employees and shareholders. Actively utilizes lean tools (VSM, Kaizen, A3, etc.) to inform and assess business opportunities to drive continuous improvement. Lead and participate in Kaizen and value stream mapping activities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Understands unique customer payment processes and implements strategies that effect prompt payment from customers; Uncovers customer and billing issues and takes appropriate action to resolve those issues preventing customers from making prompt payment
• Take proper collection action following established guidelines based on the age and amount of the transactions and the type of account
• Follows up on aged accounts receivable items and tracks status of contact and payment by notation of the nature of each contact, results and any follow-up action that must occur. Independently follows through on required actions
• Prepare customer statements and aging files, reviews the aging of past due invoices and unapplied payments; including follow up with the customer and / or plants to insure timely resolution of disputed and / or unpaid invoices
• Conducts account research and analysis in a timely proactive manner sharing knowledge with team members in a collaborative manner
• Proactively monitors unapplied cash and assists in cash application corrections
• Manages timely resolution of customer deductions by research and analysis of proper documentation and cross-functional collaboration or escalation as required
• Communicate timely and effectively with plant, distributor / co-packer and location staff to obtain documentation to resolve customer questions, disputes, credits, short pays, etc
• Appropriately escalates issues to and involves the right resources so that action plans can be prepared and agreed upon for implementation. Brings recurring issues and discrepancies to the attention of management and collaboratively works to implement a sustainable solution
• Proactively develop relationships with key internal / external contacts, gaining recognition as a subject matter expert and team resource
• Leads or participates in maintaining and updating SOP’s related to accounts receivable
• Assist with special projects, assume other duties and responsibilities as requested or assigned by management
• Meets or exceeds key performance metrics and goals
• Adhering to the Code of Business Ethics is essential. We value honesty and integrity above all else and we expect our employees to be committed to the highest ethical standards
• Maintain high safety standards. Safety is personal for us all.

CONTACTS :

Internal : Work directly with other accounts receivable staff and field staff.

External : Work with company customers at both the local and national levels.

OPERATING RESPONSIBILITY :

Works independently using established procedures. Uses good judgment in applying concepts and guidelines. Demonstrates effective problem solving and analytical skills and follows through on commitments and demonstrates ownership of results. Effectively prioritizes assignments, identifies and works to overcome barriers to achieve results.

KPIs :

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

This is an individual contributor role with no direct reports.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILS REQUIREMENTS :

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

This position generally works in an office environment and uses typical office equipment including phones, computers, and printers. Work is conducted in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment. The ability to manage stress, build professional and collaborative relationships, and reason through complex business situations is essential. This position requires occasional overtime.