Accounting Specialist

Description

PiovanGroup is a world leader in the development and production of systems for the automation of production processes for the storage, transport and treatment of polymers, plastic, and food powders. The PiovanGroup Shared Services organization provides best in class manufacturing and business support services to its brands in order to create a competitive advantage for each of the brands to drive better solutions for customers. Our businesses include Conair, the leading producer of auxiliary equipment for plastics processing, Thermal Care, a leading provider of industrial heat transfer solutions, and Pelletron, a leading supplier of pneumatic conveying equipment and dust removal systems. 

Position: Accounting Specialist

Location: Cranberry Township, PA

Role

The Accounting Specialist is responsible for managing accounts receivable activities, customer collections, accounts payable processing, and daily cash posting functions. This role supports the organization's cash flow objectives by ensuring timely collection of customer balances, accurate application of customer payments, and prompt processing of vendor invoices. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work cross-functionally with customers, vendors, sales teams, and management.

Key Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable Management

• Generate and distribute customer invoices accurately and timely.
• Monitor customer account balances and aging reports.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, short payments, and billing issues.
• Reconcile customer accounts and maintain accurate account records.
• Extend credit to external customers as determined by approval levels.

Customer Collections

• Contact customers regarding outstanding balances and sales tax exemption statuses via phone, email, and written correspondence.
• Maintain consistent follow-up on delinquent accounts.
• Negotiate terms of payment and payment plans with external customers and internal/external sales employees, as necessary.
• Escalate high-risk accounts and recommend collection actions.
• Document all collection activities and customer communications.

Cash Posting and Reconciliation

• Post customer payments received via ACH, wire transfer, checks, lockbox, and credit card transactions.
• Apply cash accurately to customer accounts and invoices.
• Research and resolve unapplied cash and payment discrepancies.
• Perform daily cash reconciliations and assist with month-end close activities.
• Prepare cash receipt reports and support treasury functions as required.

Accounts Payable Processing

• Review, code, and process vendor invoices.
• Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving documentation.
• Ensure approvals are obtained in accordance with company policies.
• Process vendor payments and maintain payment schedules.
• Reconcile vendor statements and resolve payment-related inquiries.

General Accounting Support

• Assist with month-end and year-end closing processes.
• Maintain accounting records and supporting documentation.
• Support audits by providing requested financial information.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and increased efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and accounting procedures.

Requirements

 Education

• High school diploma required.
• Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, [or related field]  or ten (10) plus years of direct work experience without format education.

Experience

• Six (6) to ten (10) years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Collections, Accounts Payable, or related accounting functions in a corporate environment.
• Experience with cash application and payment posting.
• Experience working with ERP or accounting systems.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and customer service skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or service-based environment.
• Knowledge of electronic payment processing, vendor portals, and banking platforms.
• Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, or similar platforms.

Performance Measures

• Reduction in aged receivables.
• Collection effectiveness and Days Billings Outstanding (DBO) performance.
• Accuracy and timeliness of cash posting.
• Timely processing of vendor invoices and payments.
• Reconciliation accuracy and audit compliance.
• Quality of customer and vendor relationship management.