Collections Specialist

We are looking for a detail-oriented Collections Specialist to support accounts receivable efforts for an advertising organization in Fort Mill, South Carolina. This Contract position will focus on managing overdue balances, strengthening payment follow-up, and helping maintain healthy cash flow through consistent client communication and account research. The ideal candidate brings experience in collections and billing environments, along with the ability to investigate payment issues, coordinate with internal teams, and keep account records accurate and current.

Responsibilities:
• Manage a designated portfolio of receivable accounts and work toward monthly cash collection targets through proactive outreach and follow-up.
• Obtain firm payment commitments for delinquent balances, document expected payment details in Oracle, and monitor each commitment through resolution.
• Review aging reports and weekly account activity to prioritize collection efforts, organize daily outreach plans, and focus on the highest-risk balances.
• Address customer questions related to overdue invoices by researching account history, supplying statements or invoice copies, and clarifying outstanding amounts.
• Identify the underlying reasons for delayed payment, apply the appropriate account status or reason code, and update records as new information becomes available.
• Partner with billing, cash application, sales, service, and credit teams to resolve disputes, short payments, deductions, and other barriers to collection until the balance is cleared or formally closed.
• Reconcile remittance details, account activity, and spreadsheet data to uncover unapplied cash, misapplied payments, and other discrepancies requiring correction.
• Use customer billing and accounts payable portals to submit invoices, confirm purchase order details, verify receipt, and track anticipated payment timing.
• Recognize recurring payment issues, analyze root causes, and suggest process improvements that support faster and more accurate collections.
• Recommend next-step actions such as credit restrictions, service interruption, write-offs, or external escalation when supported by account documentation and policy guidelines.• Experience in commercial and/or consumer collections, credit and collections, or accounts receivable operations.
• Working knowledge of collection procedures, billing follow-up, and account resolution practices in a fast-paced business environment.
• Proficiency with Oracle and familiarity with accounts receivable systems used to manage aging, payment tracking, and account notes.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review spreadsheets, reconcile balances, and investigate payment discrepancies.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients and cross-functional internal teams.
• Ability to manage a portfolio independently, prioritize daily collection activity, and consistently follow through on open items.
• Experience using Google Workspace or similar business productivity tools for reporting, communication, and documentation.