Accounting Specialist I

Blanchard Machinery Company•West Columbia, SC

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist I (Cash Applications) ensures timely and accurate recording of accounts receivable payments and journal entries, and provides receivable information as requested. The role processes payments from multiple sources, reconciles deposits and lockbox activity, researches and resolves unapplied or unidentified payments, supports month-end close, and responds to customer and internal requests for payment application information and account reconciliations. The position works inside throughout the year and uses computers and other technology to complete job responsibilities. The employee must be able to work extended hours when business needs require.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
2–3 years of experience handling complex accounts receivable duties in an accounting environment.
General understanding of accounting concepts and procedures.
Organizational and time-management skills to prioritize a heavy individual workload and meet time-sensitive deadlines.
Excellent communication skills and demonstrated professional, tactful problem-solving skills, including the presence to interface with corporate decision makers.
Ability to compile, analyze, and interpret financial information and data to facilitate decision-making.
Strong knowledge of banking and lockbox interfaces, downloads, and software.
Familiarity with general ledger (GL) codes.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office products; Excel proficiency is required.
Strong writing and speaking skills; ability to communicate articulately and professionally.
Expert experience in journal entry recording, auditing, and reconciliation of multiple accounts.
Proven ability to create detailed line-item account reconciliations from the ground up.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to self-train on systems and processes.
Ability to function effectively in a high-paced, high-demand environment.
Ability and willingness to work extended hours as business needs require.
Personal commitment to continuous improvement and service excellence.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.

Responsibilities

Promote a positive work environment and the vision, mission, and values of BMC, while carrying out responsibilities safely and supporting a safe and healthy work environment.
Process and accurately apply incoming customer payments from live checks, credit cards, daily cash, electronic lockbox, and wire/ACH transfers in a timely manner.
Identify and communicate payment discrepancies to credit department analysts and other appropriate areas.
Download, review, reconcile, and post lockbox payments daily.
Reconcile daily deposits to cash postings and reconcile receipt details to bank receipt totals; identify discrepancies and make adjustments as needed to apply payments correctly.
Research unidentified payments for proper posting or return to the payer within 45 days of receipt.
Complete month-end closing activity to ensure payments have been matched properly.
Research and resolve unapplied cash and obtain Accounting Manager approval monthly.
Contact customers about questionable payments and resolve issues according to departmental procedures.
Prepare detailed, accurate, and organized accounts receivable reconciliations for customer and internal requests.
Initiate correspondence to customers concerning unapplied payments and chargebacks.
Maintain responsibility for unapplied payment and lockbox bookkeeping accounts in assigned areas.
Assist with mailing or faxing customer invoice copies as requested.
Provide professional customer service to internal and external A/R personnel.
Match payment records to open customer invoices to indicate receipt of payment.
Enter and match payment adjustments as directed by the credit manager.
Research and communicate past or current payment applications upon customer request.
Enter journal entries accurately and in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned by Finance Management, a Supervisor/Manager, or as otherwise required.