Accounts Receivable Specialist

The Staffing Alternative; Oakville; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Staffing Alternative is seeking an AR Analyst/Specialist to join our finance team for a ~2 month temporary assignment in Oakville, Ontario. You will manage the full contract-to-cash cycle, including AR, billing, revenue recognition, and collections, ensuring accuracy and timely cash flow.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in AR or contract accounting, strong Excel and ERP skills, and excellent communication to coordinate with client finance teams and internal stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in Accounts Receivable or contract accounting.
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition, contracts, and accruals.
• Experience managing AR aging and collection strategies.
• Strong client service and relationship management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee AR aging, collections, and cash application.
• Process contract billing, revenue recognition, and month-end close.
• Maintain contract master data, amendments, renewals, and terminations.
• Produce client-facing reports and metrics on billing and performance.
• Support process improvements and system integration efforts.

Skills

AR management

Client relationship management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

Job Type: Temporary Position (approximately 2 months)

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced AR Analyst/Specialist to join a growing finance team. This role is responsible for managing the complete contract-to-cash cycle, including accounts receivable, contract billing, revenue recognition, collections, reconciliations, and client financial relationships.

The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders and client finance teams to ensure billing accuracy, timely collections, accurate revenue recognition, and effective resolution of billing discrepancies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to expand their expertise in contract accounting, revenue management, client relationship management, and financial systems.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable & Collections – 35%

• Manage the complete AR aging portfolio.
• Execute proactive collection strategies, including client communication, payment follow-up, and escalations.
• Prepare and distribute AR aging reports, identifying collection risks and recommended actions.
• Investigate and resolve billing disputes and discrepancies.
• Conduct daily cash application postings and bank reconciliations.
• Manage credit control activities, including credit applications, credit limit reviews, and payment terms.
• Prepare bad debt provisions and write-off recommendations.
• Monitor Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Reconcile cash receipts against invoices and contracts.
• Escalate complex collection matters when required.

Contract Accounting & Revenue Recognition – 30%

• Process contract billing, including milestone billing, progress invoicing, time & materials, and fixed-price arrangements.
• Set up new contracts in the ERP system, including rates, terms, milestones, and approval workflows.
• Maintain accurate contract master data, including amendments, renewals, and terminations.
• Perform month-end revenue recognition, including accruals, deferrals, and percentage-of-completion calculations.
• Investigate and resolve data discrepancies affecting billing accuracy.
• Prepare contract performance reports covering revenue, margins, and variances.
• Support annual contract budget review processes.
• Coordinate revenue and accounts payable matching and reconciliations.
• Serve as a primary finance contact for client finance and operations teams regarding billing and contract matters.
• Conduct regular contract reconciliations with clients to ensure billing accuracy.
• Prepare client-facing reports covering contract metrics, billing summaries, and payment status.
• Build and maintain professional relationships with Accounts Payable and Finance teams.
• Partner with internal stakeholders on contract financial performance and billing issues.
• Support new contract implementations by establishing billing procedures and communication protocols.
• Respond to client inquiries regarding invoices, payment applications, and contract terms.
• Document client-specific billing requirements and ensure compliance with established procedures.
• Identify and elevate contract performance or payment concerns.

Systems & Process Improvement – 10%

• Maintain documentation of contract billing procedures and client requirements.
• Identify opportunities for billing automation and process improvements.
• Participate in systems transformation projects affecting contract accounting and AR processes.
• Support the Finance Manager with ad-hoc analysis and special projects.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts on system integration improvements affecting billing accuracy.

Requirements:

Essential Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Contract Accounting, or a similar finance role.
• Strong understanding of revenue recognition principles, contract billing, and accruals.
• Demonstrated experience managing AR aging and collection strategies.
• Strong client service and relationship management skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with government contract billing or public-sector environments.
• Experience in the security or service industry.
• Experience with workforce management systems.
• Progress toward or completion of a CPA designation.
• Credit management or collections certification.
• Knowledge of Canadian GAAP / ASPE revenue recognition standards.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence, collaborate, and resolve conflicts.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Results-oriented approach with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to manage sensitive client conversations professionally.
• Strong judgment, discretion, tact, and confidentiality.
• Strong computer skills, particularly Microsoft Excel and ERP systems.
• Customer-service mindset and the ability to remain composed in challenging situations.