Collections Associate

Primary Responsibility:
Perform activities necessary for effective and efficient collections processing, and maintain a good customer relationship.

What You'll Do:
• Review customer aging and identify past due items for collection purposes using both collection application software and Excel spreadsheet aging reports.
• Analyze customer accounts and resolve complex billing disputes, involving the use of spreadsheets and assistance (as required) from operations and Sales.
• Make collection calls and send emails and/or letters to delinquent accounts.
• Prepare documentation for warehouse liens as directed.
• Work with third-party collection agencies as directed by management.
• Manage a system of follow-up that assures all delinquent items are resolved according to department goals.
• Contact facilities for back-up documentation as needed.
• Provide necessary documentation to the customer to facilitate prompt payments.
• Investigate and resolve overpayments and deductions on customer accounts.
• Prepare management reports regarding customer accounts as needed.
• Continue to encourage customers to release Americold from providing warehouse bills of lading and/or proofs of delivery.
• Encourage all customers to pay within established payment terms.
• Utilize the mainframe billing system and coordinate information between the customer and all Americold parties (field locations, etc.).

What Experience and Education You Need:
• Associates college degree or equivalent work experience required, bachelor's degree preferred.
• 2 years of collection, accounting, or relationship-based customer service experience.
• Detail-oriented with good analytical skills.
• Experience with SAP accounts receivable.
• Experience in relationship-based collections preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in reporting tools and with MS Office products - Word and Excel (strong Excel).
• Strong customer service skills (internal and external customers).

What Could Set You Apart:
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact comfortably within all levels of the organization.
• High energy, self - starter with the ability to take initiative with minimal guidance.
• Quick learner who thrives in a time-sensitive compliance reporting environment.
• Ability to perform well under pressure and maintain a positive attitude in a high-volume and changing environment.
• Demonstrates consistency, flexibility, and commitment to meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and attention to detail are essential.
• Demonstration of ownership and ability to multitask to balance responsibilities with assigned projects.
• Comfortable working both as an individual and on a team.
• Very strong organizational and analytical skills.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the ...