Description:
Love to make, create, innovate or inspire? Then you would love working at Pentel of America! We have a long-established tradition of supporting self-expression and creativity, exploring boundaries and innovating new writing instruments and art supplies - all while promoting good planet stewardship. If these sound like thing s you value, we probably should be working together. :-)
Compensation: $24.00 per hour
Core business hours: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, 7.5 hour daily work schedule (flexibility to work overtime when required)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Ins. AD&D, Sup. Life, Vacation, Sick (6), 401K, Holidays (12)
The Credit and Collections Specialist is responsible for managing the company’s accounts receivable, ensuring timely collections, and minimizing credit risk. This role involves daily monitoring of customer accounts, processing payments, resolving disputes, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to optimize credit and collections processes. Reports to AR supervisor.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, or equivalent
• 1-3 years credit and collections experience in manufacturing industry

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND GENERAL ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of accounting principles, banking, and finance
• Strong customer service skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Proficient in Microsoft Windows application & Microsoft Office software

OTHER SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Credit card processing
• Credit/debit memo posting
• Account/payment reconciliation

• Daily review of AR aging and monitor on assigned customers’ accounts, communicate with customers regarding outstanding and past due invoices, payment terms, and account discrepancies, send customer statements and follow up with clients via client portals ,emails or phone calls.
• Post daily payments received, including checks, wire transfers, ACH, and credit card payments, into the system accurately. Correctly identify and classify deductions based on remittance advice. Apply credits/payment and other adjustments to customers’ accounts as necessary or directed.
• Prepare and maintain daily cash receiving log in a timely, accurate and organized manner as directed by AR supervisor or management. Ensure all cash receipts are recorded and reconciled properly.
• Prepare clear and detailed written correspondence to customers regarding dispute resolution, review customer agreements/contracts to identify program allowances and agreed upon programs/offers to ensure proper credits/debits are processed and issued.
• Act as a liaison between customers and internal departments to resolve billing and payment issues.
• Update customers’ accounts with detailed notes regarding collection process and disputes in accordance with company policies and guidelines, and reconcile customer A/R accounts as needed.
• Contact customers via emails or phone calls for pre-production release and payment requests
• Evaluate new and existing customer credit applications by analyzing financial statements, credit reports, and payment histories.
• Research customers’ credit standing and release orders pending credit hold after risk assessment performed and approved by AR supervisor.
• Recommend credit approval decisions on new accounts and existing customer accounts
• Contact delinquent accounts to secure payment and resolve outstanding issues. Turn over delinquents accounts to collection agency or advise legal action when necessary.
• Support collection efforts for the accounts receivable portfolio and document daily collections activity. Respond to credit inquiries from external clients and internal requisitions.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationship with customers and Sales
• Respond to all customer email/phone inquiries, prioritizing issues such as discrepancies and short payments for timely resolution
• Prepare regular reports on credit status, collection activities, and accounts receivable performance. Maintain accurate and up-to-date credit history files.
• Assist with AR related reporting during month-end and year-end close, provide information as requested in annual audit
• Regular attendance and punctuality are an essential duty including time management.