Accounts Receivable Specialist

The Accounts Receivable Specialist at Kimley-Horn plays a pivotal role in managing collections, communicating with clients about outstanding invoices, and collaborating with project managers on follow-ups. They also coordinate with the legal team for any elevated issues and track payment histories to mitigate potential risks, showcasing how essential this position is to our financial health.

To qualify for the Accounts Receivable Specialist position at Kimley-Horn, candidates should have at least a high school diploma, with an associate's degree preferred. Additionally, four or more years of experience in B2B collections and accounts receivable is essential, along with proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel. Strong communication and organizational skills are crucial for success in this role.

An Accounts Receivable Specialist at Kimley-Horn must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively negotiate payment arrangements and build client relationships. Detail orientation, strong organizational capabilities, and the ability to work independently while meeting deadlines are also vital for this role, along with a solid understanding of B2B collections practices.

Kimley-Horn is committed to the professional growth of our Accounts Receivable Specialists. We offer tuition reimbursement, extensive internal training programs, and a supportive environment that encourages learning and development, ensuring you have the tools needed for both personal and career growth at our company.

At Kimley-Horn, Accounts Receivable Specialists enjoy a fantastic benefits package, including a generous retirement plan with a 2-to-1 company match, comprehensive health coverage, flexible scheduling, personal leave, and extensive family-friendly benefits. Our commitment to employee well-being contributes significantly to our high retention rates and workplace satisfaction.

To handle difficult clients effectively, it’s crucial to approach the situation with empathy and a solution-oriented mindset. Begin by listening to their concerns thoroughly, acknowledging their viewpoint, and working together to find a manageable solution for both parties. Remember to stay professional and patient to foster a strong client relationship.

A strong strategy involves proactive communication and proper documentation. I would regularly follow up with clients before payment deadlines, set up reminders, and build rapport for positive interactions. Using software tools to track payment history and identify trends or risks also helped streamline processes.

I have over four years of experience in B2B collections, where I successfully managed relationships with clients across various sectors. I focused on timely communication and documentation while also assessing and mitigating risks associated with clients' payment capabilities, helping to maintain healthy cash flow in previous positions.

Prioritizing tasks is key in accounts receivable. I typically assess outstanding balances and payment deadlines, prioritizing older debts and those with potential risks. Utilizing task management tools also helps me stay organized and efficient while ensuring timely follow-ups with clients.

I have experience with several accounting software programs, including Deltek Costpoint, which I utilized for tracking payments, generating reports, and ensuring compliance with company policies. Being proficient in Excel has also been essential for data analysis and reporting within accounts receivable.

In a previous position, I took the initiative to implement regular touchpoints with clients regarding their accounts. This proactive approach fostered open communication, allowing me to address potential issues early on, which in turn, greatly improved our overall client satisfaction and retained their business.

Key metrics include Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), the aging of receivables, collection efficiency, and dispute resolution time. Monitoring these metrics can provide insight into the effectiveness of collections processes and help identify areas needing improvement.

To maintain accuracy in client billing, I double-check invoices against the original agreements, ensure that all services and fees are correctly accounted for, and communicate with team members such as Project Accountants for verification before sending out invoices. This diligence helps minimize billing discrepancies and builds client trust.

During busy periods, I focus on prioritizing urgent tasks and effectively manage my time. I also leverage my organizational skills to break down larger tasks into manageable parts and collaborate with colleagues to share the workload, ensuring everything gets completed accurately and on time.

Teamwork is crucial in accounts receivable because it fosters effective communication and collaboration between departments, such as project management and accounting. This synergy helps resolve issues more quickly and aligns strategies for successful collections, ultimately impacting the company’s bottom line.