Collections Specialist

CBIZ; Melville (IL); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

CBIZ is seeking a Collections Specialist to manage an AR portfolio and secure timely payments while supporting cash flow objectives. The role involves following up with clients, resolving disputes, and maintaining detailed account notes to drive collections performance.

The ideal candidate balances customer service with accountability, using Excel and ERP systems to monitor aging and generate reports for leadership. Hybrid work arrangement is supported.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and negotiation skills are required.
• Analytical thinking for dispute resolution and reconciliations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage an AR portfolio and review aging reports to identify overdue invoices.
• Contact clients by phone and email to secure payment and confirm status.
• Develop and document payment arrangements per approvals and policy.
• Investigate short payments, unapplied cash, and invoice discrepancies with related teams.
• Maintain complete account notes including disputes, commitments, and next steps.
• Escalate significant delinquencies to management and prepare status updates for leadership.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's/Associate degree in accounting/finance/business

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Excel

Outlook

ERP systems

Job description

#LI-OD1 #LI-Hybrid

The Collections Specialist is responsible for managing an assigned portfolio of accounts receivable, securing timely payment of outstanding invoices, and supporting the organization’s cash flow objectives. This position uses professional, consistent follow-up to resolve past-due balances, investigate billing issues, and maintain positive client relationships. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing customer service with accountability for collection results.

Essential Functions and Primary Duties

• Manage an assigned portfolio of client accounts and review aging reports to identify overdue invoices, high-risk balances, and collection priorities.
• Contact clients by phone and email to secure payment, confirm payment status, and follow up on outstanding commitments.
• Develop and document appropriate payment arrangements in accordance with established approval requirements and company policies.
• Research short payments, unapplied cash, invoice discrepancies, and other account issues; coordinate with billing, cash application, client service, and finance teams to resolve them promptly.
• Maintain complete and accurate account notes, including collection activity, client correspondence, disputes, commitments, and next steps.
• Escalate significant delinquencies, disputed balances, broken payment commitments, and accounts requiring additional action to management.
• Prepare collection status updates, account analyses, and reports for leadership; communicate risks to add A/r reserves
• Support cash collection targets and initiatives designed to reduce past-due receivables and Days Sales Outstanding.
• Build effective working relationships with clients and internal stakeholders while handling sensitive financial matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Follow internal controls, confidentiality requirements, and all applicable collection policies and regulations.
• Three to five years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, billing, customer service, or a related financial operations role.
• Working knowledge of accounts receivable processes, aging reports, payment terms, account reconciliation, and dispute resolution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and accounting or enterprise resource planning systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field.
• Experience supporting business-to-business or professional services clients.
• Experience managing a high-volume receivables portfolio and working toward defined collection targets.
• Familiarity cash application, write-off procedures, and internal control requirements.
• Three to five years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, billing, customer service, or a related financial operations role.
• Working knowledge of accounts receivable processes, aging reports, payment terms, account reconciliation, and dispute resolution.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and accounting or enterprise resource planning systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication, negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy in a high-volume environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• High school diploma or GED required

• Bachelor’s Degree or two years of experience on a specialized subject matter

• Must maintain current required licenses and certifications relevant to field of expertise

• Demonstrates the ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of organization, both internally and externally

• Effective customer service skills

• Proficient use of applicable technology

• Ability to work in team environment as well as independently

• Ability to analyze and prioritize multiple responsibilities

CBIZ, Inc. (NYSE: CBZ) is a leading professional services advisor to middle-market businesses nationwide. With industry knowledge and expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology, CBIZ delivers actionable insights to help clients anticipate what is next and discover new ways to accelerate growth. CBIZ has more than 9,500 team members across 23 major markets coast to coast.

CBIZ strives to be our team members' employer of choice by creating an environment where team members are appreciated, recognized for their contributions, and provided with opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally, throughout their careers.

Together, CBIZ and CBIZ CPAs are ranked as one of the top providers of accounting services in the United States. CBIZ CPAs is an independent CPA firm that provides audit, review and attest services, while CBIZ provides business consulting, tax and financial services. In certain jurisdictions, CBIZ CPAs operates under its previous name, Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C.