Specialist Accounts Receivable

Overview

Staples operates as a business-to-business company where finance plays a crucial role in supporting overall success. The finance team collaborates across departments to analyze financial data, evaluate performance, and provide expert advice, accelerating company profitability and growth.

Role Summary

The Specialist Accounts Receivable will safeguard Staples' financial health while fostering good customer relationships. Tasks include managing outstanding accounts receivable, resolving invoicing and payment challenges, investigating discrepancies, and collaborating with customers and internal teams to ensure timely payment resolutions. This role suits individuals detail-oriented, customer-focused, adept at problem-solving, and passionate about impacting cash flow and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Regularly follow up with customers to collect payments on open accounts receivable until resolution.
• Investigate receivables issues, reconcile payment records, and swiftly resolve billing or account inconsistencies.
• Reduce bad debt losses and enhance cash collections while maintaining a professional and customer-centric demeanor.
• Comply with accounts receivable protocols, including handling on-account cash, escalations, credit reviews, within established service level agreements.
• Lead and facilitate conference calls addressing overdue matters, effectively communicating with customer finance managers and directors.
• Analyze root causes of customer-related issues and identify process improvement opportunities.
• Negotiate payment plans or settlements for significantly overdue balances as appropriate.
• Provide account reconciliation summaries and findings to customers and internal teams like Sales and Contract Gateway.
• Deliver customized reporting, statements, and account details on request to internal and external stakeholders.
• Escalate unresolved issues to Team Lead for further action when necessary.

Skills and Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience in accounts receivable, billing, accounting support, customer service, or a related function.
• A minimum of 1 year using Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Over 1 year’s experience with financial or enterprise systems such as SAP, Oracle, or QuickBooks involving data entry or transaction processing.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining financial data and records.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively engage with customers and internal partners.
• Ability to balance collection targets with preserving positive customer relationships.
• Effective time management to meet deadlines and follow structured procedures consistently.
• Team-oriented with an eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced receivables environment.
• Proficient problem solver addressing billing inquiries, discrepancies, and payment follow-ups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or coursework in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Experience working with ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle for financial transactions.
• Background in high-volume billing, collections, or accounts receivables settings.
• Exposure to customer service roles related to finance functions.
• Knowledge of basic collection techniques and cash application processes.

Benefits

• Inclusive workplace culture featuring associate-led Business Resource Groups.
• Flexible paid time off scheme with 14 days PTO and 7 paid holidays.
• Employee discounts available for online and retail purchases.
• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
• Comprehensive physical and mental wellness programs.