Cash Application and Collections Specialist

Oil-Dri Corporation of America; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 6% company match

Paid parental leave

Generous PTO & paid holidays

Fitness & Gym Reimbursement

Job summary

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is looking for a Cash Application and Collections Specialist in Chicago. This role supports cash flow and accounts receivable performance by accurately applying customer payments and managing collections.

The ideal candidate will have 4 to 6 years of experience in accounts receivable, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in JD Edwards and Microsoft Excel. A competitive compensation package includes a salary of $45,000 to $57,000 plus benefits.

Qualifications

• 4 – 6 years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Cash Application, or Collections.

Responsibilities

• Accurately apply daily customer payments within established deadlines.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of customer accounts for collection.
• Support month-end close activities and reconciliations.

Skills

Strong analytical skills

Excellent attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Customer-service mindset

Strong written and verbal communication

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field

Tools

JD Edwards

Job description

Overview

Role Overview The Cash Application and Collections Specialist plays a key role in supporting Oil-Dri’s cash flow, accounts receivable performance, and customer account management. This position is responsible for accurately applying customer payments, researching and resolving account discrepancies, managing unapplied cash, and supporting collection efforts to reduce past due balances. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, customer-focused, and able to work collaboratively with internal teams and external customers to resolve payment-related issues in a timely and professional manner. Hybrid role; Monday - Wednesday onsite required.

Responsibilities

• Cash Application: Accurately apply daily customer payments, including ACH, wire, lockbox, check, and credit card transactions, within established deadlines.
• Research and resolve unapplied payments, short payments, overpayments, and payment discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date customer account records in JD Edwards.
• Prepare and maintain supporting documentation for month-end close, reconciliations, and audit requests.
• Support efforts to reduce unapplied cash and ensure timely posting of receipts.

• Collections: Manage an assigned portfolio of customer accounts to ensure timely collection of outstanding balances.
• Proactively contact customers regarding past due invoices, payment status, and account discrepancies.
• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Deductions, and other internal teams to resolve issues impacting payment.
• Document collection activity, customer communications, and follow-up actions in accordance with department procedures.
• Provide weekly updates to management regarding collection status, high-risk accounts, and significant past due balances.

• General / Administrative: Support month-end close activities, including accounts receivable reconciliations and reporting.
• Assist with internal and external audit requests as needed.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance accuracy, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Support department goals related to cash flow, working capital, and overall Order-to-Cash performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of daily cash application.
• Reduction of unapplied cash balances.
• Days Sales Outstanding.
• Percentage of accounts current versus past due.
• Resolution time for payment discrepancies, short payments, and deductions.
• Quality and completeness of collection documentation.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field preferred.
• 4 – 6 years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Cash Application, Collections, or a related finance function.

Skills & Abilities:

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems; JD Edwards experience preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer-service mindset with the ability to build positive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of accuracy, accountability, and follow-through.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive pay $45,000 ($23/hour) - $57,000 ($29/hour) + annual bonus
• 401(k) with 6% company match
• Paid parental leave, generous PTO, & paid holidays
• Work-life balance
• Career growth with exposure to senior leadership.
• Annual merit increase opportunity
• Fitness & Gym Reimbursement
• Employer Contribution - Health, Dental

About Us

Oil-Dri Corporation of America is a leading manufacturer and supplier of specialty sorbent products for consumer and business-to-business markets that has been voted as a Top 100 workplaces in the Chicago Tribune. Oil-Dri’s products are sold in the pet care, animal health, fluids purification, agricultural, sports field, industrial and automotive markets. Oil-Dri controls millions of tons of specialty mineral reserves, including calcium bentonite, attapulgite, and diatomaceous shale. The company’s mines and manufacturing facilities are located in Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois, and California. Oil-Dri is a family-controlled and operated organization that emphasizes honesty, integrity, and accountability. The company is dedicated to fulfilling its mission to Create Value From Sorbent Minerals.

Oil-Dri is committed to providing equal opportunity for all teammates and qualified candidates without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, mental or physical disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Accordingly, all employment decisions and personnel actions or programs such as hiring, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, transfers, reductions in workforce, and training, etc. will be consistent with the principle of equal employment opportunity.