AR Collections Specialist

The L.A. Times is seeking a skilled AR Collection Specialist to join the finance team and play a pivotal role in managing accounts receivable functions. The AR Collections Specialist is responsible for efficiently managing the collection of outstanding accounts receivable balances. This position entails ensuring timely payments from customers while fostering strong relationships with internal teams such as sales, events, and accounting, as well as external customers. The primary goal is to facilitate smooth payment processes and uphold financial stability within the company.

Responsibilities

Credit Applications & Risk assessment:

• Assist Accounts Receivable Manager in processing credit applications.
• Contact credit references and conduct bad debt risk assessment using D&B software for new and existing customers.
• Review credit limits to ensure account balances are within the assigned line of credit.
  
  

Invoicing

• Manage E-Invoice distribution to advertising customers via email.
• Rectify billing errors and adjust invoices to accommodate special billing requirements.
  
  

Collections Management

• Proactively monitor assigned accounts with outstanding balances to minimize delinquent receivables.
• Contact customers with past due balances through multichannel efforts while maintaining a positive relationship with customers.
• Maintain comprehensive and current records of collection activities in the collections software
• Monitor payment applications on assigned accounts to ensure accuracy, investigating and resolving discrepancies such as short payments, overpayments, and chargebacks.
  
  

Billing Disputes Resolutions

• Resolve billing discrepancies and provide customers with necessary documentation to support collections.
• Identify underlying causes for delinquency and escalate billing disputes to relevant parties for timely resolution.
  
  

New Vendor Onboarding

• Facilitate the completion of onboarding documents for new and existing customers.
  
  

Customer Service

• Respond promptly to incoming communications, including emails and inbound calls from customers and internal partners.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
• 2+ years in the complete cycle of Accounts Receivable and Collections experience
• Proficient negotiation abilities
• Exceptional written and verbal communication proficiencies
• Strong analytical aptitude and adept problem-solving capabilities
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks concurrently and efficiently work independently
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheet manipulation and data analysis
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates or Certificate in Accounting or equivalent experience related field
  
  

The L.A. Times is an equal employment opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively work to create an inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive. E xplore our company history, achievement, values, mission and more on our career site.

The pay scale the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting is $22.08 - $25.23 and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, experience, training, licenses, certifications, and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. At The L.A. Times, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Please visit our career site to view the benefits available to our employees.

The Company is a mandatory vaccination employer for COVID-19 and its variants. The Company requires that its employees be fully vaccinated as of their start date. If you require a medical or religious accommodation, we will engage in the interactive process with you. Proof of vaccination will be required prior to start. If we make you an offer and you are not yet vaccinated, we will accommodate a delay in start date.

We recently transitioned to a new system if you noticed any issues in the application process, please contact Talent Acquisition at: talentacquisition@caltimes.com

Apply Now