The Accounts Receivable (AR) Manager is responsible for leading the end-to-end accounts receivable function, including billing, collections, cash application, credit management, and AR reporting. This role plays a critical leadership position in stabilizing AR processes, improving cash flow, reducing aged receivables, and strengthening internal controls.
The AR Manager manages a small team, partners cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, and Customer Service, and exercises independent judgment to resolve complex customer account issues. This role requires deep AR expertise, strong leadership capability, and the ability to drive process improvements in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
WHAT YOU WILL DO (Other duties may be assigned)
Accounts Receivable Operations
Lead and oversee the full-cycle accounts receivable function, including billing, collections, and cash application.
Maintain and manage the customer/member accounts, including credit limits, terms, and status.
Own and actively manage AR aging, unapplied cash, disputes, short-payments, and chargebacks.
Establish, document, and enforce standardized AR policies, procedures, and escalation protocols.
Monitor customer credit exposure, conduct credit reviews, and manage credit holds in alignment with company policy.
Collections Strategy & Cash Flow Management
Develop and execute effective collections strategies to improve cash flow and reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
Partner with Sales, Operations, and Customer Service to resolve issues impacting timely collections.
Prepare and present regular AR reporting to leadership, including aging trends, dispute categories, expected cash receipts, and collection risks.
Leadership & Team Management
Manage, mentor, and develop AR team members, setting clear expectations and performance goals.
Review the teams work for accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to established processes.
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and strong internal controls.
Set metrics and benchmarks to track productivity and efficiency.
Reporting, Controls & Compliance
Ensure accurate AR balances through timely reconciliations and review of supporting schedules.
Provide weekly cash collections and DSO forecast.
Support month-end close activities related to AR, including reporting, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
Execute and maintain key internal controls to support accurate financial reporting and audit readiness.
Assist with internal and external audit requests by preparing documentation and responding to inquiries.
Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Partnership
Identify process gaps and drive initiatives to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability within AR operations.
Partner cross-functionally to resolve root causes of recurring billing or collection issues.
Support system enhancements, automation efforts, and ERP-related initiatives impacting AR.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL
Education and Experience
Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
5+ years of progressive accounts receivable or accounting experience, including:
Direct responsibility for AR operations and collections
Experience managing or leading staff
Proven success improving AR aging and collection performance
Experience supporting month-end close and financial reporting activities.
Skills and Competencies
Strong expertise in AR operations, collections strategy, and dispute resolution.
Proficiency with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).