Collections Specialist

Strong collections isn't about making calls all day. It's about getting results. A growing North County distribution company is seeking a Collections Specialist to manage a portfolio of commercial customer accounts and help improve cash flow while maintaining positive business relationships. This position is ideal for someone who is comfortable discussing outstanding balances, investigating payment delays, and working with customers to find practical solutions. You'll partner with accounts receivable, sales, and customer service to resolve disputes and prevent small billing issues from turning into long-overdue accounts.

The company is looking for someone who can balance persistence with professionalism. You'll have ownership of your assigned accounts, visibility into aging trends, and the opportunity to help improve collection procedures.

What you'll be responsible for:

• Manage a portfolio of business-to-business customer accounts.
• Review aging reports and prioritize past-due invoices for follow-up.
• Contact customers by phone and email regarding outstanding balances.
• Secure payment commitments and follow up to ensure agreed-upon payments are received.
• Research short payments, unapplied cash, billing disputes, and account discrepancies.
• Coordinate with billing and AR teams to resolve invoice issues.
• Partner with sales and customer service when account disputes require additional support.
• Document collection activity, customer conversations, and payment arrangements.
• Escalate seriously delinquent or high-risk accounts according to company procedures.
• Assist with credit holds and account reviews when appropriate.
• Prepare aging summaries and collection status reports for management.
• Identify recurring payment delays and recommend ways to improve collection performance.
• 2–4 years of commercial collections or accounts receivable experience.
• Experience managing a customer portfolio and following an established collection cadence.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to discuss overdue balances professionally and confidently.
• Proficiency in Excel and accounting or ERP systems.
• Excellent organization and follow-through.
• Experience with credit limits, payment terms, or customer account reconciliations is a plus.