Collections Manager

Sterling Engineering; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Chicago is seeking an experienced Accounts Receivable & Collections Manager. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in credit and collections management, with a strong understanding of credit-related laws and the ability to drive effective processes. Responsibilities include leading the AR team, negotiating with clients, and enhancing cash flow strategies. This full-time role offers a salary range of $80,000 - $100,000 based on experience.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in credit and collections management.
• Strong knowledge of credit‑related laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively and resolve customer disputes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the Accounts Receivable (AR) team.
• Enhance processes around credit approvals and collections.
• Review and approve credit applications and set credit terms.
• Handle due diligence for major accounts.
• Maintain up-to-date customer credit files.
• Resolve invoice disputes while maintaining customer relationships.
• Deliver insightful KPI reports to leadership.

Skills

Experience in credit and collections management

Negotiation skills

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field

Tools

Excel

ERP/CRM systems (NetSuite preferred)

Job description

Accounts Receivable & Collections Manager

Base pay range: $80,000 – $100,000 per year.

Location: Chicago, IL.

*Must come from distribution or manufacturing industry*

Pay Rate: $80K-$100k based on experience.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and mentor the Accounts Receivable (AR) team to achieve excellence in invoicing, reconciliation, and collections.
• Enhance processes around credit approvals, collections, risk management, and customer communications to drive efficiency and reduce DSO.
• Review and approve credit applications, set credit terms, and collaborate with Sales and Finance to align risk with business growth.
• Personally handle due diligence for major accounts to ensure informed credit decisions.
• Maintain up-to-date customer credit files, including payment history, scores, and trade credit thresholds.
• Proactively resolve invoice disputes, balancing firm collection practices with positive customer relationships.
• Deliver insightful KPI reports and dashboards to leadership, highlighting opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation.
• Identify and implement automation, process improvements, and risk reduction initiatives.
• Partner with executive leadership to forecast cash flow and optimize collections strategies.
• Ensure adequate staffing, resources, and training are in place to support a high‑performing AR and Billing team.

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in credit and collections management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field (preferred).
• Strong knowledge of credit‑related laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Proven ability to negotiate effectively and resolve customer disputes.
• Track record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving measurable results.
• Proficiency with Excel, ERP/CRM systems (NetSuite preferred), and financial reporting tools.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner across departments and influence outcomes.
• Analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level.

Employment type: Full-time.