Accounts Receivable Specialist

JCPenney; Lyndhurst (NJ); On-site; USD 57,000 - 104,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

401(k) with Company Match

Employee Discount

Job summary

Catalyst Brands in Lyndhurst, NJ, is seeking an AR & Collections Specialist to manage daily cash applications, AR reconciliation, and proactive B2B collections. You will collaborate with credit analysts, claims managers, and wholesale partners to optimize DSO and ensure timely payments.

The role emphasizes accurate cash posting, dispute resolution, and effective communication with vendors, with a comprehensive benefits package and career growth within a dynamic, multi-brand wholesale environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years in Accounts Receivable, Cash Applications, and B2B Collections.
• Retail/wholesale or consumer goods experience preferred.
• Advanced Excel skills with VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables.
• Strong communication and vendor relations.
• Experience with ERP systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Daily Cash Application handling wire transfers, ACH payments, checks, and daily/monthly card transactions across multiple brand portfolios.
• Reconcile daily EFT payments and wholesale customer accounts; ensure credits and unapplied cash are matched.
• Prepare, balance, and distribute month-end AR reports and GL inputs.
• Drive proactive B2B collections; monitor AR aging and engage with past-due accounts via phone and email.
• Collaborate with Credit Analysts, Claims Managers, and wholesale partners; assist with credit limits and hold statuses.

Skills

Accounts Receivable

Cash Applications

B2B Collections

Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables)

Communication Skills

Tools

SAP

NetSuite

AS400

Job description

Overview

At Catalyst Brands, we curate and grow iconic retail and lifestyle brands. Representing a premium portfolio that includes Lucky Brand, Brooks Brothers, Nautica, and Aeropostale, our Finance team is the engine that keeps our operations running smoothly. We are seeking an energetic, detail-oriented AR & Collections Specialist to join our dynamic Wholesale Credit team in Lyndhurst, NJ.

As the AR & Collections Specialist, you will play a critical, dual role in securing our cash flow. You will manage daily cash applications and accounts receivable reconciliation across our multi-brand portfolio while actively driving proactive B2B collections. Collaborating closely with credit analysts, claims managers, and wholesale partners, you will ensure outstanding balances are resolved promptly, cash is applied accurately, and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) remains optimized.

Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable & Cash Application

• Daily Cash Application: Apply wire transfers, ACH payments, checks, and daily/monthly credit card transactions across multiple brand portfolios accurately and timely.
• EFT & Bank Management: Monitor and reconcile daily EFT payments directly from our corporate banking platforms.
• Reconciliation: Perform ongoing cash reconciliation of wholesale customer accounts, ensuring all credits, unapplied cash, and payments are accurately matched.
• Month-End Support: Prepare, balance, and distribute critical month-end accounts receivable reports and general ledger inputs.

Proactive B2B Collections & Portfolio Management

• Active Collections: Monitor and analyze weekly and monthly Accounts Receivable Aging Reports to identify delinquent or past-due wholesale customer accounts.
• Customer Outreach: Establish and maintain professional, firm, and collaborative outreach (via phone and email) with past-due accounts to secure timely payments.
• Dispute & Chargeback Resolution: Partner with the Claims Manager to identify, research, and resolve chargebacks, short payments, and payment deductions.
• Credit Collaboration: Assist the Credit and Finance departments with special projects, evaluating credit-hold statuses, and adjusting credit limits based on payment trends.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3-5 years of dedicated experience in Accounts Receivable, Cash Applications, and business-to-business (B2B) Collections. Experience working in retail, wholesale, or consumer goods is highly preferred.
• Technical Savvy: Intermediate to advanced Excel skills are required (fluent with VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, and sorting large financial data sets).
• System Knowledge: Hands-on experience with modern ERP systems (such as SAP, NetSuite, or AS400) is highly desirable.
• Communication Style: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a proven ability to negotiate payment terms professionally and maintain positive vendor relationships.
• Execution & Detail: Exceptional time management skills, intense attention to detail, and a track record of performing accurately under pressure and meeting tight closing deadlines.

What You Get

If eligible, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays*, and 401(k) with Company match. All associates are eligible for an associate discount on Catalyst Brands merchandise. For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation. *For paid vacation days, as well as eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit www.catalystbrandsbenefits.com

About Catalyst

Catalyst Brands reflects the bringing together the rich heritages of our brands with modern excitement and a new vision for success. Six iconic brands came together under a unified powerhouse portfolio to celebrate the essence of American style. We will leverage our rich history, resources and best-in-class industry talent to further build the success of our brands. At Catalyst we are united in one shared purpose: We exist to ignite America’s most beloved retail brands to make fashion accessible to all.

Working at Catalyst means joining a dedicated team of associates who are encouraged to be uniquely themselves in a safe, caring and welcoming environment. It is a place where careers prosper, accomplishments are celebrated and diversity flourishes. It’s a place that’s meant for you.

Pay Range

USD $57,200.00 - USD $104,000.00 /Yr.