Collections Specialist I

Aquent; United States; On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent Talent is seeking a Collections Specialist I to manage an accounts receivable portfolio and drive timely collections within the Order-to-Cash process. You will resolve billing discrepancies, collaborate with internal teams, and escalate high-risk cases per policy.

The role emphasizes accurate cash application, strong documentation, and professional client communication to support cash flow and working capital objectives.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in accounts receivable or the Order-to-Cash (O2C) cycle.
• Proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace.
• Familiarity with enterprise ERP systems and Order-to-Cash software platforms.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with a focus on accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Manage an assigned portfolio of accounts by following up on outstanding balances via phone and email.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, deductions, and short payments.
• Partner with Cash Applications team to research unapplied cash and payment allocations.
• Collaborate with Sales, Billing, and other O2C teams to resolve issues delaying payment.
• Negotiate payment arrangements within company policies and escalate exceptions as needed.
• Identify high-risk credit issues and escalate to management or third-party agencies.
• Perform timely customer account reconciliations and research variances.
• Maintain confidential handling of customer and financial information.
• Provide documentation and support for internal and external audits.

Skills

Analytical skills

Time management

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Associate's degree in Accounting/Finance

Tools

ERP systems

O2C software

Job description

The Collections Specialist I is responsible for managing an assigned accounts receivable portfolio within the Order-to-Cash (O2C) process to support the timely collection of outstanding customer payments. This position performs collection activities, researches and resolves billing and payment discrepancies, reconciles customer accounts, maintains accurate account records, and collaborates with internal stakeholders to resolve issues affecting payment. The Collections Specialist I applies established credit and collections policies and procedures, supports cash flow and working capital objectives, maintains documentation of collection activities, provides support for internal and external audits, and escalates complex or high-risk issues to management in accordance with established procedures.

Essential Functions

• Manage an assigned portfolio of accounts by following up on outstanding balances via phone and email to support timely collections and healthy cash flow while maintaining strong client relationships.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, deductions, and short payments efficiently by following established procedures to ensure accurate cash application.
• Partner closely with the Cash Applications team to research and resolve unapplied cash, unidentified remittances, and payment allocation issues.
• Work cross-functionally with Sales, Billing, and other Order-to-Cash (O2C) teams to resolve pricing disputes, billing errors, or order issues that delay payment.
• Negotiate payment arrangements for delinquent accounts within established company credit and collections policies, escalating exceptions or non-standard arrangements to management.
• Identify and elevate high-risk credit issues and past-due accounts to management or third-party collections agencies in accordance with established procedures ..
• Perform timely, comprehensive customer account reconciliations and research account variances.
• Manage sensitive customer and financial information in a strictly confidential manner.
• Provide documentation and support for internal and external financial audits.

Job Requirements

Education

• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred

Experience

• 2-3 years of experience in accounts receivable, B2B collections, cash applications, and/or the Order-to-Cash (O2C) cycle

Skills

• Proficiency in Excel and Google Workspace—we’re crazy about Google Docs here!
• Familiarity with enterprise ERP systems and Order-to-Cash software platforms.
• Excellent organizational skills and strong attention to detail with a dedication to accuracy.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and monthly targets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to review large sets of financial information, identify discrepancies, and recommend appropriate resolutions.
• Maintain accurate collection notes, customer communications, and account documentation within company systems.
• Exceptional customer service mindset, emphasizing professional, responsive, and timely communication with clients.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective cross-functional interactions.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.