Commercial Credit and Collections Specialist

Focus; Cicero (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Focus is seeking a proactive Commercial Credit and Collections Specialist for an in-office role in the Finance & Accounting department. You will manage a portfolio of commercial accounts, collect past-due receivables, and review terms to safeguard cash flow while collaborating with Sales and internal teams.

The ideal candidate has experience in B2B collections, credit evaluation, and strong Excel/ERP proficiency, with excellent communication to negotiate with stakeholders at all levels.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial B2B collections and credit evaluation.
• Advanced Excel and ERP/AR systems proficiency.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of commercial accounts and collect past-due receivables.
• Negotiate payment commitments and develop collection strategies.
• Support cash flow improvement by reducing DSO and CEI.
• Investigate short payments, deductions, and billing discrepancies.
• Collaborate with Sales and internal teams to resolve balances.
• Review credit reports and purchase orders to assess risk and terms.
• Handle tax exemptions and compliance documentation; maintain records.

Skills

Commercial collections

Payment negotiations

Credit evaluation

Purchase order review

Advanced Excel

ERP/AR systems

Data management

Dispute resolution

Communication skills

Negotiation

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP/AR systems

Job description

Commercial Credit and Collections Specialist

Department: Finance & Accounting

Employment Type: Full-Time | Salaried (Exempt)

Work Environment: In-Office (No travel required)

Position Overview:

We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Commercial Credit and Collections Specialist to manage a portfolio of commercial accounts, collect past-due receivables, and resolve billing issues that delay customer payments. Reporting to the Director of Credit & Commercial Risk, this role collaborates closely with customers, Sales, and internal teams to evaluate credit risk, review purchase order terms, safeguard company receivables, and drive healthy cash flow.

Key Responsibilities:

• Portfolio & Collections Management: Actively manage an assigned portfolio of commercial accounts, collect past-due receivables, negotiate payment commitments, and develop effective collection strategies for delinquent accounts.
• Cash Flow Optimization: Support departmental initiatives to reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and improve the Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI).
• Dispute Resolution: Investigate and resolve short payments, deductions, and disputed invoices involving pricing, materials, freight, taxes, and billing discrepancies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Sales and internal operations teams to remove barriers to payment and maintain consistent customer follow-up until balances are resolved.
• Credit & Contract Review: Review commercial credit reports and financial data to assess creditworthiness, assist with credit limit recommendations, and audit customer purchase orders to identify and negotiate unfavorable payment or contractual terms prior to order acceptance.
• Tax & Compliance Administration: Manage administrative documentation related to sales tax, tax exemptions, and exemption certificates.
• Documentation & Risk Escalation: Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of collection activities, payment commitments, and dispute statuses, escalating significant credit or contractual risks as needed.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience: Proven background in commercial B2B collections, payment negotiations, commercial credit evaluation, and purchase order term review.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite-specifically advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, lookups)-along with experience using ERP/Accounts Receivable systems, aging reports, and data management tools.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze credit reports, investigate payment delays, and reconcile complex account discrepancies.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent verbal, written, and listening skills, with the professionalism and confidence to negotiate with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
• Core Competencies: Strong organizational discipline, persistence, accuracy under pressure, proactive initiative, and a collaborative, customer-oriented mindset.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Setting: Standard office environment with moderate noise levels and no travel requirements.
• Physical Demands: Regularly required to sit, talk, and listen; must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, with close vision and focus-adjustment abilities required for detailed financial review.

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