AP/AR Clerk

We are looking for an AP/AR Clerk to join a manufacturing team in Sterling, Illinois. This role focuses on keeping receivables activity accurate, current, and well-documented while helping ensure cash is applied correctly across a high-volume environment. The ideal candidate brings strong accounting judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with customers, sales partners, and internal finance staff to resolve payment questions efficiently.

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily accounts receivable activity by recording incoming payments, matching remittances to open balances, and maintaining accurate customer account records.
• Complete regular reconciliations for cash, receivables, and intercompany transactions to support timely and accurate month-end reporting.
• Review bank activity each day and apply funds received through ACH, wire transfers, credit cards, and other electronic payment methods.
• Obtain missing remittance information from customers and use customer payment portals to verify details needed for proper invoice application.
• Investigate aging balances, unapplied cash, deductions, and other variances, then coordinate with finance leadership to resolve outstanding issues.
• Process account adjustments such as approved write-offs, payment discounts, bank-related charges, returns, rebates, and customer fines when applicable.
• Support sales teams by identifying deductions or disputed payment items and sharing the information needed for follow-up and resolution.
• Handle receivables tied to retail, ecommerce, and direct-to-consumer channels, including payment platforms such as PayPal, Stripe, Square, TikTok, and similar systems.
• Follow established credit and financial control procedures, including compliance with applicable corporate policies and audit requirements, while assisting with cash reconciliation activities.
• At least 3 years of experience in accounts receivable or a comparable accounting position.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related discipline.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Dynamics 365 or a similar ERP system, along with strong Excel skills for reviewing and analyzing payment data.
• Hands-on experience applying customer payments, reconciling cash activity, and maintaining accurate financial records.
• Working knowledge of retail customer accounting, including deductions, returns, rebates, and chargeback-related items.
• Familiarity with ecommerce and direct-to-consumer payment processing environments.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, sales teams, and internal finance partners to resolve account issues promptly.