Collections Specialist I

Caleres; Clayton (MO); On-site; USD 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shoe discounts

Benefits start day one

Get paid when you want

Mental wellness program

Relaxed dress code

Site perks

Job summary

Caleres in Clayton, MO invites you to join our Finance Team as a Collections Specialist. You will manage assigned customer accounts, pursue timely payments, and support healthy cash flow while maintaining strong customer relationships.

You will collaborate with Accounting, Customer Service, Sales, Credit and Disputes to resolve issues, document actions, and improve collections processes. The role suits a detail-oriented communicator with 0-2 years’ experience in AR or related fields.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance preferred; equivalent experience acceptable.
• 0–2 years in collections or accounts receivable with customer service experience.
• Experience in retail or large corporate environments a plus.
• Strong verbal and written communication with a customer focus.
• Proficiency with MS Office; SAP or ERP systems a plus.

Responsibilities

• Drive timely collections and cash flow through daily outreach by phone and email.
• Assist customers with invoices, statements, remittance, and payment inquiries.
• Document collection activities and progress in systems.
• Collaborate with Accounting, Customer Service, Sales, Credit, and Disputes to resolve obstacles.
• Develop knowledge of collections processes and performance metrics.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Associate's degree in Business/Accounting/Finance

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

Founded in 1878, Caleres, originally known as Brown Shoe Company, is a global footwear company comprised of some of the world's most loved brands including Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, Naturalizer, Dr. Scholl's, Allen Edmonds, and many more. Caleres' legacy includes 145+ years of craftsmanship, a passion for fit, and a mission to inspire people to feel great...feet first.

Join Our Finance Team as a Collections Specialist in St. Louis, MO!

We're looking for a motivated and detail-oriented professional to join our Accounts Receivable team as a Collections Specialist. In this role, you'll help support healthy cash flow and strong customer relationships by managing outstanding receivables, resolving payment issues, and partnering with customers and internal teams to drive timely payment resolution. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator, highly organized, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where attention to detail and customer service matter.

What You Will Be Doing

Drive Timely Collections & Cash Flow: Conduct daily outreach to assigned customer accounts through phone and email communications to follow up on outstanding balances and secure timely payment.

Support Account Resolution & Customer Service: Assist customers with invoice copies, account statements, remittance reconciliation, and payment inquiries. Escalate disputed invoices, unresolved issues, and delayed payments appropriately to ensure prompt resolution and minimize aging balances.

Maintain Accurate Documentation & Reporting: Record collection activities, customer interactions, payment commitments, and resolution progress within designated financial and collections systems.

Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with Accounting, Customer Service, Sales, Credit, and Disputes teams to identify and resolve payment obstacles, correct invoice issues, and improve collections effectiveness.

Contribute to Continuous Improvement: Develop knowledge of collections processes, dispute workflows, credit holds, and key performance metrics.

Perks You Will Enjoy!

• Our Shoe Discounts: No matter your style, we've got your perfect fit covered with a 30% Associate Discount across Famous Footwear and Caleres brands
• Benefits that Start Day One: To learn more details about our total rewards including 401(k), health benefits and PTO, visit yourcaleres.com
• Get Paid When You Want: Access your money as you earn it and request your earnings before payday
• Mental Wellness: Free, 24/7 confidential support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program for eligible associates
• Relaxed Dress Code: Your authentic self is always in style at Caleres
• Site Perks: Full access to our brand new downtown Clayton, MO office, including, onsite gym, Starbucks, Grab and Go Market, beautiful indoor/outdoor meeting spaces and free parking located in the convenient area of downtown Clayton, MO.

Qualifications That Make You the Perfect Fit!

• Associate's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered
• 0-2 years of collections, accounts receivable, customer service, administrative, or related business experience
• Experience in retail, wholesale, distribution, or large corporate environments is a plus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a customer-focused approach
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a deadline-driven environment
• Willingness to learn systems, processes, and financial workflows
• Basic understanding of accounts receivable, collections, or accounting principles preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus