We are looking for an Accounts Receivable / Collections Specialist to join a team in Modesto, California in a contract capacity with the potential for a permanent position. This on-site role supports day-to-day receivables operations, cash application, and commercial collections while helping maintain accurate customer account records. The ideal candidate brings a solid understanding of billing, payment posting, account reconciliation, and customer dispute resolution, along with the ability to work closely with internal teams to improve payment timeliness.
Responsibilities:
- Apply customer payments received by check, ACH, wire, and credit card to the appropriate accounts with a high level of accuracy.
- Review daily cash activity, balance receipts against recorded transactions, and investigate any posting variances promptly.
- Manage commercial collection efforts by following established outreach procedures and adjusting communication style to the account situation.
- Examine aging reports regularly to identify overdue balances, prioritize follow-up, and support cash flow objectives.
- Prepare and distribute customer statements on a weekly and monthly schedule to encourage timely remittance.
- Work with sales and order entry partners to address invoice questions, resolve disputes, and remove barriers to payment.
- Assist with accounts receivable tasks tied to month-end close, including reconciliations and account review.
- Maintain organized documentation for payment records, account research, and supporting files needed for audit or follow-up.
- Perform additional receivables and collections duties as assigned by the Manager.
- At least 2 years of experience in accounts receivable, cash application, collections, or related accounting support work.
- Working knowledge of commercial collections practices, billing processes, and daily cash activity management.
- Basic understanding of double-entry accounting principles, including debits and credits.
- Ability to analyze aging data, reconcile account activity, and identify discrepancies efficiently.
- Experience resolving customer or distributor disputes in a detail-oriented and timely manner.
- Familiarity with bankruptcy-related considerations and applicable collection regulations.
- Strong MS Excel with ideal experience in pivot tables.
