Collections Specialist

The Collections Specialist manages the full lifecycle of business-to-business collections to maximize cash receipts, reduce bad debt, and support overall accounts receivable performance. This role focuses on proactive customer contact, accurate account maintenance, and close collaboration with sales and credit teams to ensure timely payments and strong customer relationships.

Responsibilities

• Stratify and prioritize collection activities to maximize cash receipts and support company days sales outstanding (DSO) targets.
• Receive and manage inbound and outbound collection calls with professionalism and a strong customer service focus.
• Contact customers regarding overdue accounts, determine reasons for non-payment, and work toward timely resolution.
• Monitor customer payment commitments and follow up as needed to ensure agreed payment arrangements are honored.
• Analyze customer accounts and inform sales, district sales, and credit and collections leadership of potential credit risks.
• Research and recommend appropriate initial credit lines for new or existing customers based on available information.
• Partner closely with the sales team to investigate and resolve billing disputes or other issues affecting payment.
• Communicate regularly with sales and supervisors regarding top outstanding accounts and status of collection efforts.
• Research account credits, validate accuracy, and clearly communicate findings and resolutions to customers.
• Coordinate customer credit changes with the credit manager to ensure proper approvals and documentation.
• Inform managers when accounts are being transferred to a collection agency and provide supporting details.
• Communicate bad debt write-offs to managers and maintain supporting records for these decisions.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records of customer payment status and collection activities in the system.
• Update and maintain customer accounts to ensure data is accurate, complete, and reflects current credit and payment status.
• Minimize bad debt write-offs through consistent, effective collection activity and proactive account management.
• Support achievement of company DSO objectives by managing customer accounts and prioritizing high-impact activities.
• Perform cash application tasks as assigned, ensuring payments are applied correctly and promptly.
• Apply strong customer service skills to manage customer situations, respond promptly to needs, and follow through on commitments.
• Demonstrate professionalism by treating others with respect, reacting well under pressure, and taking responsibility for actions.
• Monitor own work for accuracy and thoroughness, seek ways to improve quality, and apply feedback to enhance performance.
• Collaborate with team members in a results-oriented environment, sharing information and supporting common goals.
• Use reasoning and problem-solving skills to interpret written, oral, or diagram instructions and handle standardized situations involving multiple variables.

• Business-to-business collections experience, preferably within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Hands-on experience with collections, accounts receivable, and customer service in a collections context.
• Proficiency in handling collection calls and managing both inbound and outbound customer communications.
• Strong communication skills, including clear and professional verbal and written communication.
• Intermediate PC skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word proficiency, data entry, data retrieval, and basic problem solving.
• Analytical skills to review, interpret, and manage complex or diverse account information.
• Ability to multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Customer service skills to manage customer situations, respond promptly to needs, solicit feedback, and meet service commitments.
• Professionalism under pressure, including tactful interaction, respect for others, and consistent follow-through on commitments.
• Quality-focused mindset with strong attention to detail, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• Reasoning ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written, oral, or diagram instructions.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Strong office skills gained through education, training, or experience, particularly in PC use and basic office software.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, suitable for frequent customer and internal team interaction.
• Knowledge of Windows operating environment and MS Office software, including Outlook and Excel.

• Experience working with ERP systems; prior exposure to enterprise resource planning tools is preferred.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify issues, develop alternative solutions, and implement resolutions in a timely manner.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment with a strong desire to achieve excellent results.
• Demonstrated ability to monitor personal performance, accept feedback, and apply it to improve quality and efficiency.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple accounts, and meet deadlines.
• Interest in growing into a long-term role and building expertise in credit, collections, and accounts receivable.

This position is based in an office environment, working alongside the accounts receivable team in a cubicle-style setting that supports collaboration and communication. The role uses standard office technology, including PCs running a Windows environment, MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word), and ERP systems. The work pace is fast, with frequent phone and email interaction with customers and internal teams. The schedule is primarily on-site, with the option to work remotely on Fridays, offering a blend of in-office teamwork and limited remote flexibility. The environment emphasizes professionalism, accuracy, and team-oriented results.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Akron, OH.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Akron,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on May 12, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email astoncarteraccommodation@astoncarter.com for other accommodation options.