Accounts Receivable (AR) Collection Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION: 

The AR Collection Manager is responsible for leading the accounts receivable collection function, improving cash flow performance, minimizing bad debt exposure, and ensuring timely collection of customer payments. This role partners closely with Sales, Operations, Customer Success, Accounting, and Executive Leadership to resolve payment issues, monitor credit risk, and optimize collection processes. The ideal candidate combines strong financial acumen, analytical capabilities, and relationship management skills within a fast-paced solar energy environment. This position will be based out of San Francisco, CA. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Accounts Receivable & Collections Management 

• Manage the end-to-end collections process for residential, commercial, and channel partner accounts. 

• Develop and implement collection strategies to improve Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and cash collections. 

• Monitor aging reports and proactively identify delinquent accounts. 

• Lead collection efforts for overdue balances through customer outreach, payment negotiations, and escalation procedures. 

• Review and approve payment plans while minimizing bad debt risk. 

• Maintain accurate collection records and documentation. 

Cash Flow & Risk Management 

• Forecast weekly and monthly cash collections to support liquidity planning. 

• Identify potential collection risks and develop mitigation strategies. 

• Collaborate with Finance leadership on reserve and bad debt assessments. 

• Support credit reviews for sales partners, installers, distributors, and commercial customers. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Partner with Sales, Fulfillment, and Customer Operations to resolve billing disputes and payment delays. 

• Coordinate with Legal regarding collection escalations, lien filings, and contract enforcement when necessary. 

• Work closely with accounting to ensure timely cash application and account reconciliation. 

• Support customer onboarding processes related to billing and payment terms. 

Reporting & Analytics 

• Develop and maintain AR dashboards and KPIs. 

• Analyze collection performance, payment trends, and customer behavior. 

• Prepare executive-level reporting on:  

• AR Aging 

• DSO 

• Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI) 

• Bad Debt Exposure 

• Cash Collection Performance 

• Identify process improvement opportunities through data analysis. 

Process Improvement & Automation 

• Implement best practices for collections, credit management, and dispute resolution. 

• Lead automation initiatives for collection workflows, reminders, reporting, and customer communications. 

• Enhance ERP, CRM, and reporting systems to improve efficiency and visibility. 

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal controls for AR processes. 

Team Leadership 

• Manage and mentor AR Specialists and Collection Analysts. 

• Establish performance metrics and accountability standards. 

• Provide training on collection techniques, customer communication, and compliance requirements. 

• Foster a customer-focused, results-driven culture. 

• Manage service providers and internal & external partner relationships.   

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. 

• 5+ years of Accounts Receivable, Collections, Credit, or Cash Management experience. 

• 2+ years of leadership or people management experience. 

• Strong understanding of AR aging, collections, credit risk, and cash flow management. 

• Advanced Excel skills include PivotTables, Power Query, and financial analysis. 

• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Experience in solar, renewable energy, construction, manufacturing, or distribution industries. 

• Experience managing dealer, installer, or channel partner receivables. 

• Knowledge of lien rights, contract compliance, and collection regulations. 

• Experience with Power BI, SQL, Tableau, or similar reporting tools. 

• CPA, CTP, or Credit & Collections certifications are a plus. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

• Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) 

• Accounts Receivable Aging Performance 

• Collection Rate 

• Cash Collection Forecast Accuracy 

• Bad Debt Write-Off Percentage 

• Past-Due Balance Reduction 

• Customer Dispute Resolution Cycle Time 

• Team Productivity and Collection Efficiency  

COMPENSATION: 

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is: 

• Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $146,200 – $164,400   

• Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $134,000 – $150,700   

• Zone 3 (All others): $121,800 – $137,000   

The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors. 

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions.  Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services.  We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.