Collections Lead Associate - Accounts Receivable, Collections

Job Description

Job Summary

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Collections Lead Associate to manage customer receivables, drive timely collections, resolve billing disputes, and partner closely with Sales and internal stakeholders to improve cash flow and reduce outstanding balances. The role requires strong communication, analytical, and relationship management skills to ensure prompt payment collection while maintaining positive customer relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Collections Management

• Manage assigned portfolio of customer accounts to ensure timely collection of outstanding invoices.
• Execute collection strategies through calls, emails, and customer follow-ups.
• Monitor aging reports and prioritize collection efforts based on risk and overdue balances.
• Meet monthly, quarterly, and annual cash collection targets.
• Reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) and improve overall receivable health.

Dispute Resolution

• Investigate and resolve customer disputes related to pricing, billing, purchase orders, credits, service delivery, and contractual terms.
• Act as the primary point of contact between customers and internal teams regarding payment issues.
• Track disputes through to closure and ensure timely resolution.
• Maintain detailed documentation of dispute cases and resolutions.

Sales & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Sales teams to resolve customer concerns impacting collections.
• Work with Operations, Customer Success, Billing, and Finance teams to identify and address root causes of payment delays.
• Participate in customer review meetings and provide updates on outstanding receivables.
• Escalate high-risk accounts and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

Cash Application & Reconciliation

• Process and apply customer payments accurately against open invoices.
• Investigate and resolve unapplied cash, short payments, deductions, and payment variances.
• Perform account reconciliations and maintain accurate customer account records.
• Support month-end closing activities related to Accounts Receivable.

Reporting & Analysis

• Generate and maintain AR aging, collections, and cash forecasting reports.
• Analyze collection trends and identify opportunities for process improvements.
• Provide regular updates to management on collection performance, dispute status, and account risks.
• Support audit requests and compliance requirements related to receivables.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Commerce, Business Administration, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in Collections, Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections, or Finance Operations.
• Strong understanding of Accounts Receivable, Order-to-Cash (O2C), and collection processes.
• Experience in dispute management and customer issue resolution.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, Dynamics, NetSuite, or similar).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a shared services or global business environment.
• Knowledge of cash application and reconciliation processes.
• Exposure to customer-facing collection activities with large enterprise accounts.
• Understanding of credit risk management and DSO improvement initiatives.

Key Skills

• Collections Management
• Accounts Receivable
• Dispute Resolution
• Cash Application
• Customer Relationship Management
• Sales Partnership & Stakeholder Management
• Negotiation Skills
• Aging Analysis
• Account Reconciliation
• Problem Solving
• Financial Analysis
• ERP Systems
• Process Improvement

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Collection Target Achievement (%)
• DSO Reduction
• Overdue Balance Reduction
• Dispute Resolution Turnaround Time
• Cash Application Accuracy
• Aging Bucket Improvement
• Customer Response & Follow-up Timeliness
• Unapplied Cash Reduction

This role is critical in ensuring healthy cash flow by driving collections, proactively resolving disputes, partnering with Sales teams, and ensuring accurate cash application and receivables management.

Qualifications

Bachelors Degree

Additional Information

Job location- Pune (Viman Nagar)

Shift Timings- UK shift