Located in Shakopee, Minnesota, Continental Hydraulics has been delivering innovative hydraulic solutions for more than 60 years. As a leading manufacturer of industrial and mobile hydraulic components and systems, we are committed to helping our customers improve productivity, profitability, efficiency, and performance through engineering excellence and exceptional quality.
Our comprehensive product portfolio includes hydraulic valves, pumps, power units, proportional controls, and custom-engineered solutions— We aim to be an indispensable presence for our customers by providing advanced technologies and solutions while anticipating their ever-changing needs and backed by an experienced team dedicated to customer success.
At Continental Hydraulics, we don't just solve today's challenges—we engineer the solutions of tomorrow. We continuously seek new opportunities to innovate, developing durable, high-performance hydraulic products that support a wide range of industries and demanding applications worldwide.
If you are seeking an opportunity to contribute to an established organization with a strong legacy, collaborative culture, and commitment to innovation, we invite you to join our team.
Position Summary
The Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for generating and distributing customer invoices, accurately applying customer payments, monitoring receivable balances, and performing collection activities to ensure timely payment of outstanding accounts. This position serves as a key member of the accounting team by maintaining accurate customer account records, resolving billing and payment discrepancies, and supporting the company's cash flow objectives through effective billing, cash application, and collections processes.
Reporting to the Director of Finance, this position works closely with Finance, Purchasing, Customer Service, Sales, Operations, and other departments to support efficient financial operations, maintain positive vendor and customer relationships, and contribute to the organization's cash flow objectives.
- Verify billing accuracy, including pricing, quantities, taxes, and customer information.
- Process invoices, customer billings, debit memos, and credit memos.
- Respond to customer inquiries regarding invoices, billing discrepancies, and account balances.
- Research and resolve billing issues in coordination with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and other departments.
Cash Applications
- Apply customer payments received via ACH, wire transfer, lockbox, checks, credit cards, other payment methods to customer accounts accurately and timely.
- Research and resolve unapplied cash, short payments, deductions, chargebacks, and payment discrepancies.
- Assist with month-end and year-end accounts receivable closing activities.
Collections
- Review accounts receivable aging reports and proactively follow up on past-due accounts.
- Contact customers by phone, email, and written correspondence to collect outstanding balances.
- Investigate and resolve payment delays, disputes, and deduction issues.
- Document collection efforts and maintain detailed notes in customer account records.
- Escalate delinquent accounts to management when necessary.
- Support the reduction of bad debt exposure while maintaining positive customer relationships.
- Monitor customer payment trends and communicate potential credit risks to management.
- Reconcile customer accounts and resolve account discrepancies.
- Prepare and distribute customer statements as required.
- Generate accounts receivable reports, aging reports, and collection status updates.
- Assist with general ledger reconciliations related to AR.
- Support month-end and year-end close activities and maintain accurate AR records and documentation.
- Support internal and external audits by providing requested documentation.
General Responsibilities
- Maintain organized electronic and paper financial records.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, internal controls, accounting standards, and audit requirements.
- Collaborate with internal departments to resolve invoice, payment, and customer account issues.
- Maintain confidentiality of financial information.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and increased efficiency.
- Assist with ERP system maintenance, testing, implementations, and special projects.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, cash applications, collections, or related accounting functions.
- Experience with collections, cash applications, and account reconciliations.
- Manufacturing industry experience preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Thorough understanding of accounts receivable, billing, cash application, collections, and general accounting principles.
- Excellent organizational skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong customer service skills with the ability to build positive relationships with vendors and customers.
- Possess ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgement when handling sensitive financial information.
- Able to successfully pass a background check and drug screen.
Technical Skills
- Experience using ERP systems; Infor SyteLine experience preferred.
- Experience with ADP Workforce Now is a plus.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong data entry accuracy and accounting system experience.
Company Total Rewards
Compensation and Benefits
- This is a full-time position with an expected hourly wage of $27.00 to $30.00; depending on qualifications and experience.
- Medical, dental, vision, STD/LTD, company sponsored life insurance and 401k with employer contribution.
- Accidental, Critical Illness, Long-Term Care, Legal and Pet Insurance.
- Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays.
Working Conditions
- Office environment: Long periods of sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
Continental Hydraulics is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.