AR Specialist

Optim Recruiting; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Optim Recruiting is seeking an AR Specialist for a Houston-based contractor to own the billing and collections function for a project-based construction operation. This newly created role requires precision, pull pay estimates, generate invoices with lien releases in the ERP, and follow up to secure payments.

The position is in-office in Houston, 7–4 with flexibility. You will report to the Controller and collaborate with project managers and field teams to resolve billing gaps and ensure timely

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of AR, billing, or accounting experience; construction or project-based environment is a strong plus.
• Proficiency in Excel; pivot tables and lookups are a plus.
• Experience with progress/AIA billing and lien releases is desirable.
• Strong follow-through on collections and customer communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process progress billings, AIA billing, and retention billing from project manager pay estimates.
• Generate invoices with lien releases and related compliance documents via the ERP.
• Apply customer payments (checks, ACH, wires) and record accurately.
• Follow up on outstanding balances and accelerate collections.
• Coordinate with project managers and field teams to resolve billing gaps or documentation issues.
• Assist with lien release preparation and preliminary notices as needed.
• Monitor AR inbox and respond to inquiries; support month-end close and AR reporting.

Skills

AR/billing

Excel proficiency

Communication

Attention to detail

Tools

ERP software

Job description

Construction billing is its own language — and this company needs someone who's at least conversational.

A Houston-based contractor is hiring an AR Specialist to own the billing and collections function for a project-based construction operation.

This is a newly created role — the work existed before, but it was spread across people who had other jobs to do. Now we need someone whose whole job is to manage AR.

The volume is manageable — roughly 20 jobs a month, a mix of larger progress billings and change orders — but the work requires precision. You'll pull pay estimates from project managers, generate invoices with lien releases in the ERP, and make the calls to get payment in the door.

In-office in Houston, 7–4 with flexibility.

What you'll own

• Prepare and process progress billings, AIA billing, and retention billing from project manager pay estimates
• Generate invoices with corresponding lien releases and compliance documents through the ERP
• Apply customer payments, including checks, ACH, and wires — and record them accurately
• Follow up with customers on outstanding balances
• Coordinate with project managers and field teams to resolve billing gaps or documentation issues
• Assist with lien release preparation and preliminary notices as needed
• Monitor the AR inbox and respond to internal and external inquiries
• Support month-end close activities and AR reporting

What you bring

• 1–2 years of AR, billing, or accounting experience — construction or project-based environment a strong plus
• Familiarity with progress billing, AIA billing, and lien releases
• Proficiency in Excel; pivot tables and lookups a plus
• Strong follow-through on collections — comfortable making calls and tracking responses

Why this one is worth a look

• Newly created role with clean ownership
• Manageable volume with meaningful complexity — AIA billing, retention, lien releases, and project-based invoicing keep the work interesting without being overwhelming
• Direct report to the Controller with real visibility from day one
• Flexible schedule — core hours are 7–4 with accommodation for life
• Stable contractor with consistent project flow and a team that's ready to have this seat filled

Equal Opportunity Employer/Verterans/Disabled

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