Accounts Receivable Manager

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Description

Navis Food Partners, a leading foodservice company with annual revenues of $600 million, is currently seeking a highly qualified Accounts Receivable Manager for a dynamic, cross-functional, role supporting our New England operation based either out of our Londonderry, NH or West Haven, CT office.

Job Summary:

The Accounts Receivable (AR) Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of customer invoicing, cash application, accounts receivable management, credit and collections, and bad debt exposure. This role will lead and develop the Accounts Receivable team while partnering closely with the Controller and other business leaders to establish effective policies, strengthen internal controls, improve cash flow, and reduce Days Sales Outstanding. The AR Manager is an experienced accounts receivable leader who combines strong technical knowledge with sound judgment, a customer-focused approach, and a commitment to process improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, coach, train, and develop the Accounts Receivable team to ensure departmental goals, service expectations, and performance standards are achieved.
• Establish clear responsibilities, priorities, and performance expectations for the Accounts Receivable team.
• Oversee customer invoicing, cash application, collections, account reconciliation, and dispute resolution activities.
• Maintain accurate and complete accounts receivable records and ensure the accounts receivable aging is current and reliable.
• Monitor daily incoming customer payments and ensure payments are applied accurately and promptly within the accounts receivable system.
• Review unapplied cash, deductions, short payments, overpayments, and other payment discrepancies, and ensure timely resolution.
• Analyze accounts receivable aging reports to identify delinquent balances, payment trends, collection risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Work closely with the Credit team to evaluate customer creditworthiness, establish appropriate credit limits and payment terms, and address higher-risk accounts.
• Review customer accounts to ensure compliance with established payment terms and coordinate collection activity for past-due balances.
• Partner with internal departments and customers to resolve billing issues, payment disputes, deductions, and account inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
• Develop and implement collection strategies that improve cash flow, reduce delinquent receivables, and minimize bad debt exposure.
• Identify and implement process improvements designed to reduce Days Sales Outstanding, improve accuracy, strengthen controls, and increase departmental efficiency.
• Review accounts receivable and cash application systems and processes to ensure transactions are processed accurately and timely.
• Partner with the Controller to develop cash forecasts and provide insight into anticipated customer collections.
• Prepare and communicate accounts receivable metrics, trends, risks, and collection updates to management.
• Assist with the development, documentation, and consistent application of accounts receivable and credit policies and procedures.
• Identify transactional, process, or system issues; recommend solutions; and support the implementation of effective and sustainable improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and internal control requirements.
• Support external audits, year-end audits, and other financial reporting requests by providing documentation and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Perform other related duties and special projects, as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in accounts receivable, credit, collections, or a related financial function with at least 3 years of supervisory or management experience required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, ERP systems, accounting systems, and general data tools.
• Previous experience in food distribution, food service or CPG industries preferred.
• Strong knowledge of accounts receivable, cash application, credit, collections, account reconciliation, and related internal controls.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop employees while establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify trends, determine root causes, and implement practical solutions.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments and priorities effectively.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly communicate financial information, collection risks, and recommended actions.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with customers, team members, and cross-functional business partners.
• Strong sense of urgency and follow-through.
• Sound judgment and the ability to handle confidential or sensitive financial information appropriately.
• Demonstrated track record of improving accounts receivable performance, customer service, collections, or cash flow.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and Accountability: Provides clear direction, develops employees, establishes performance expectations, and takes ownership of departmental results and commitments.
• Financial and Business Acumen: Understands how accounts receivable, credit, collections, and customer payment behavior affect cash flow, working capital, profitability, and business performance.
• Analytical Thinking and Continuous Improvement: Uses data and sound judgment to identify trends, assess risk, resolve problems, and improve processes, systems, controls, and overall efficiency.
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicates clearly and partners effectively with employees, customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams to resolve issues and achieve shared objectives.
• Customer Focus and Judgment: Balances positive customer relationships with the need to enforce payment terms, manage credit risk, and protect the company's financial interests.
• Planning, Adaptability, and Attention to Detail: Manages competing priorities, maintains accurate records, meets deadlines, and responds effectively to changing business needs, systems, and processes.