Accounting Specialist I

Blanchard Machinery•West Columbia, SC

18h

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist I (Cash Applications) ensures timely and accurate recording of accounts receivable payments and journal entries, and provides receivables information as requested. The role processes and applies customer payments from multiple sources, reconciles deposits and lockbox activity, researches and resolves unidentified or unapplied cash, supports month-end closing, and responds to customer and internal requests for payment information and account reconciliations. The position also provides professional service to internal and external accounts receivable personnel and performs other duties as assigned by Finance Management and the Supervisor/Manager. The position works indoors throughout the year and uses computers and other technology to complete job responsibilities. It requires standing, stooping, squatting, pushing, pulling, twisting, turning, and lifting. Extended hours may be required as business needs dictate.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Two to three 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 ability 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 GL codes.
Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office products; proficiency in Excel is required.
Excellent writing and speaking skills; polished and articulate professional communication.
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 Blanchard Machinery Company.
Perform job responsibilities safely and promote a safe and healthy work environment.
Process and accurately apply incoming payments to customer accounts from live checks, credit cards, daily cash, electronic lockbox, and wire/ACH transfers.
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 review receipts by type against bank receipt totals.
Research unidentified payments for proper posting or return to the payer within 45 days of receipt.
Complete month-end closing activities 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 them according to departmental procedures.
Prepare detailed, accurate, and organized accounts receivable reconciliations for customer and internal requests.
Initiate correspondence to customers regarding unapplied payments and chargebacks.
Maintain responsibility for unapplied payments and lockbox bookkeeping accounts in assigned areas.
Assist with mailing or faxing customer invoice copies as required.
Provide quality, professional customer service to internal and external accounts receivable personnel.
Match payment records to open customer invoices and make adjustments as needed to apply payments properly.
Enter and match payment adjustments as directed by the credit manager.
Research and communicate past or current payment applications in response to customer requests.
Enter journal entries accurately and in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned by Finance Management and the Supervisor/Manager.