We are looking for an Accounts Receivable Specialist to join a wholesale distribution team in California on a contract basis with the potential for a permanent position. This position will oversee the complete receivables process, combining cash application, collections, deduction review, and credit decision support in a high-volume environment. The role is well suited for someone who can work independently, manage detailed account activity, and stay highly organized in a spreadsheet-driven and paper-intensive setting.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the full accounts receivable cycle from invoice follow-up through payment posting, account review, and issue resolution.
- Apply incoming payments accurately and maintain up-to-date customer account records across active domestic accounts.
- Investigate retailer deductions and chargebacks, reconcile supporting details, and coordinate resolution of shortages, promotional allowances, and related claims.
- Create and process credit memos in the system while ensuring documentation is complete and aligned with account activity.
- Monitor aging and conduct commercial collections efforts with a focus on a concentrated group of key domestic customers.
- Review overdue balances to help determine whether orders should be released or placed on credit hold based on payment status.
- Use spreadsheets extensively to track receivables activity, analyze discrepancies, and support daily reporting through functions such as VLOOKUP.
- Maintain accuracy in a paper-heavy workflow while working within legacy accounting software and related reporting tools.
- Hands-on experience managing full-cycle accounts receivable in a distribution, wholesale, food, or grocery-related environment.
- Proven background in cash applications, commercial collections, billing support, and daily cash activity processing.
- Strong experience handling chargebacks, deductions, and account reconciliations, including retailer shortages and promotional claims.
- Proficiency with Excel, including VLOOKUP, and confidence working in spreadsheet-driven processes.
- Ability to make sound decisions regarding delinquent accounts, shipment releases, and credit hold situations.
- Experience using accounting platforms such as Sage or similar ERP systems; familiarity with older or legacy systems is a plus.
- Comfortable operating independently in a role with broad ownership and a high level of accountability.
- Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation skills in an environment with substantial manual paperwork.