Collections Specialist

We are looking for a Contract Collections Specialist to support receivables management for a manufacturing organization in Illinois. This role is focused on strengthening cash collection efforts, addressing account issues that affect payment timing, and maintaining a detail-oriented experience for customers throughout the resolution process. The ideal candidate brings strong commercial collections expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to manage account activity with accuracy and persistence.

Responsibilities:

• Pursue payment on overdue business accounts through consistent customer outreach and follow-up strategies that encourage timely resolution.
• Examine open receivables and research account issues to identify the causes of delayed payment, then document findings and coordinate next steps.
• Resolve invoice, pricing, and billing concerns by partnering with appropriate stakeholders and submitting credit-related adjustments when needed.
• Review aging activity on a routine basis to prioritize collection efforts, reconcile minor outstanding balances, and keep account records current.
• Escalate severely past-due accounts to outside collection partners or legal resources in alignment with established company guidelines.
• Prepare recurring account status summaries and month-end reporting for leadership, highlighting collection progress and unresolved risks.
• Maintain complete and accurate notes, account details, and call records to support invoice handling and payment release activities.
• Oversee the processing and release of maintenance and repair invoices that require additional review or special coordination.

The hourly pay range for this position is $27 to $33/hour. Benefits available to contract/temporary professionals, include medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.

• At least 7 years of experience in collections, including substantial work in a business-to-business or commercial environment.
• Associate degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience will also be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to manage dispute resolution, deduction research, and overdue account recovery with close attention to detail.
• Experience working in manufacturing, service, maintenance, or a related industry is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, with the ability to work effectively in account reporting and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to negotiate effectively and maintain productive customer relationships.
• Proven organizational skills and accountability when handling multiple accounts, deadlines, and competing priorities.