The Director of Accounts Receivable will take on a pivotal role in steering the strategic direction of the Collections and Cash Application departments. The primary focus will be on optimizing the collection of outstanding receivables and enhancing cash flow through effective communication with customers who are behind on payments. This position is highly visible and demands frequent collaboration with Finance and Commercial leadership, requiring the individual to engage in strategic thinking and relationship building.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Strategy Development
- Establish and execute the overall strategy for the Accounts Receivable (A/R) department.
- Develop and implement strategies to increase the efficiency and success of collections on outstanding receivables.
Collections Management
- Direct day-to-day collection activities, including developing collection strategies and assigning workflow.
- Handle collections for escalated or strategic accounts, including chronically delinquent clients, legal cases, and bankrupt accounts.
Cash Applications
- Oversee cash application processes to ensure timely and accurate posting to client accounts.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Participate in cross-functional teams to resolve customer A/R issues and improve payment cycles and operational processes.
Customer Service
- Provide customer service for collection issues, resolving client discrepancies, short payments, and other A/R-related concerns.
Partnership Building
- Build and maintain partnerships with key business stakeholders to enhance transparency and drive operational excellence.
Performance Metrics
- Develop key metrics to evaluate team performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and track progress.
- Provide monthly reporting of A/R results, aging balances, collections, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
Process Improvement
- Continuously evaluate departmental processes with a strategic focus to identify and implement improvements.
- Ensure that processes are designed to mitigate operational risks and losses.
Team Leadership
- Provide leadership and coaching to the collections team, focusing on team building, employee development, and overall growth.
- Develop and document processes and training materials for the A/R team.
Financial Reporting
- Support the monthly and quarterly financial close by providing timely and accurate A/R-related data.
Goal Setting
- Develop goals aligned with the company’s broader business objectives and coordinate the team to meet and exceed these goals.
Additional Responsibilities
- Handle other duties and responsibilities as assigned, ensuring the smooth operation of the A/R department.
LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES
- Number of Direct Reports: 5+
- Number of Indirect Reports: 25+
- Budget/PNL Responsibility
Leadership Responsibilities Strategy
- This position will lead the Accounts Receivable and Cash Applications teams.
COMPETENCIES - SKILLS
- Integrity and Professionalism: Interacts with integrity and professionalism when communicating with all departments across the business, ensuring trust and respect are maintained in every interaction.
- Ownership and Accountability: Assumes ownership and accountability for all department actions, consistently adhering to company and department values, and setting a strong example for the team.
- Team Collaboration: Demonstrates team-player skills, with the ability to solve problems, avoid conflict, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively in a collaborative environment.
- Diligence and Accuracy: Possesses a high degree of diligence, accuracy, and efficiency in managing tasks and processes, ensuring that all work meets the highest standards.
- Leadership Under Pressure: Works effectively as a leader in a demanding environment, maintaining composure, providing direction, and driving results even under challenging circumstances.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience:
- Billing and Collection Procedures: 7+ years of experience in billing and collection procedures and practices, demonstrating a strong foundation in A/R operations.
- Team Management: 7+ years of experience managing a team of Accounts Receivable Specialists, with proven leadership capabilities.
- A/R Management: Proven working experience as an Accounts Receivable Manager in a demanding environment, with a deep understanding of A/R practices and principles.
- Analytical Skills: Strong analytical abilities with a proven track record of identifying root causes of issues and implementing effective solutions.
- Communication Skills: Ability to clearly and professionally communicate with internal and external audiences at various levels, including customers, coworkers, supervisors, executives, sales teams, and third-party collection agencies.
Technical Proficiency:
- Advanced Excel Knowledge: Strong proficiency in Excel, including advanced functions and data analysis capabilities.
- ERP Systems Experience: Experience working in an integrated ERP system, with a solid understanding of how these systems support A/R processes.
- Computer Skills: Strong computer aptitude, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Additional Skills:
- Professionalism: High degree of professionalism and skill in verbal and written communications.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills and diligence in managing tasks and processes.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Location: This position is based in Alpharetta, GA and operates within a professional office environment. (Relocation assistance is not offered for this role).
- Positions Type/Standard Schedule: Full-Time: This is a full-time role with a standard work schedule of Monday through Friday.
- Travel: Moderate Travel: Moderate travel is expected for this position, with employees in Alpharetta, GA and Schaumburg, IL.
- Physical Demands: • General Requirements: The role requires the ability to speak, hear, and see, along with the use of hands and fingers for tasks such as typing on a computer keyboard and using a phone. • Posture: The employee may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. • Reaching: Occasionally, the role may require reaching above the head to pull paper attachments or similar tasks.
EEO Statement
Wheels is a Drug-Free Workplace. All employment is contingent on successful completion of drug and background screening.
Wheels is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer and administers all personnel practices without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or domestic partnership status, disability, protected veteran status or military status, genetic information, or any other category protected under applicable law. Wheels is committed to taking affirmative steps to promote the employment and advancement of minorities, women, persons with disabilities and protected veterans.
