Collections Associate

Primary Responsibility:
Perform activities necessary for effective and efficient collections processing, and maintain a good customer relationship.

What You’ll Do:
• Review customer aging and identify past due items for collection purposes using both collection application software and Excel spreadsheet aging reports.
• Analyze customer accounts and resolve complex billing disputes, involving the use of spreadsheets and assistance (as required) from operations and Sales.
• Make collection calls and send emails and/or letters to delinquent accounts.
• Prepare documentation for warehouse liens as directed.
• Work with third-party collection agencies as directed by management.
• Manage a system of follow-up that assures all delinquent items are resolved according to department goals.
• Contact facilities for back-up documentation as needed.
• Provide necessary documentation to the customer to facilitate prompt payments.
• Investigate and resolve overpayments and deductions on customer accounts.
• Prepare management reports regarding customer accounts as needed.
• Continue to encourage customers to release Americold from providing warehouse bills of lading and/or proofs of delivery.
• Encourage all customers to pay within established payment terms.
• Utilize the mainframe billing system and coordinate information between the customer and all Americold parties (field locations, etc.).

What Experience and Education You Need:
• Associates college degree or equivalent work experience required, bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2 years of collection, accounting, or relationship-based customer service experience.
• Detail-oriented with good analytical skills.
• Experience with SAP accounts receivable.
• Experience in relationship-based collections preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in reporting tools and with MS Office products – Word and Excel (strong Excel).
• Strong customer service skills (internal and external customers).

What Could Set You Apart:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact comfortably within all levels of the organization.
• High energy, self - starter with the ability to take initiative with minimal guidance.
• Quick learner who thrives in a time-sensitive compliance reporting environment.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and maintain a positive attitude in a high-volume and changing environment.
• Demonstrates consistency, flexibility, and commitment to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Demonstration of ownership and ability to multitask to balance responsibilities with assigned projects.
• Comfortable working both as an individual and on a team.
• Very strong organizational and analytical skills.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Requires the ability to sit for long periods of time, with frequent interruptions.
• Requires several hours per day of sitting, getting up and down from chairs, and reaching, or bending.
• Requires manual dexterity with normal hand and finger movements for typical office work.
• Talking, hearing, and seeing are important elements of completing assigned tasks.
• May be required to visit facility operations in temperatures at or below freezing.
• Requires the use of various electronic tools.
• May occasionally lift, carry, position, or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally works evenings or weekends to complete objectives or to attend meetings.
• Requires the ability to relate to others beyond giving and receiving instructions: must partner with colleagues without exhibiting behavioral extremes.
• Requires the performance of work activities, including reasoning, negotiating, instructing, persuading, or speaking with others, and responding appropriately to constructive feedback from executive management.

Americold is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and complies with applicable employment laws.
EOE/AA M/F/D/V DFW.