Accounting Specialist - Japanese Trading Company

Aitworks Inc•Elk Grove Township, IL

3d•$48,000 - $50,000

About The Position

The Accounting Specialist works at a Japanese trading company specializing in industrial products in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. The position manages accounts receivable, customer invoicing, payment processing, account reconciliation, collections, and accurate financial recordkeeping. It also supports machine sales accounting, including processing machine-related invoices and advance payments, tracking project-related costs and expenses, and maintaining financial records for machine sales projects. The role assists with general accounting operations, customer credit administration, purchase order processing, and other financial and administrative activities. It works closely with the Accounting, Sales, and Management teams to support accurate financial transactions, timely collection of outstanding receivables, proper documentation, and efficient accounting operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Legally eligible to work in the United States.
At least two years of experience in accounting, accounts receivable, bookkeeping, or a related field.
Basic understanding of accounting principles, accounts receivable procedures, and general accounting practices.
Experience handling customer invoicing, payment processing, cash applications, and account reconciliation.
Experience communicating with customers about outstanding payments, billing inquiries, and account discrepancies.
Ability to maintain accurate financial records and handle confidential financial information professionally.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and communicate effectively with customers and internal departments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other standard Microsoft Office applications.
Strong numerical accuracy and attention to detail when processing invoices, payments, and financial transactions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, particularly when communicating with customers about billing and payment matters.
Ability to review financial records, identify discrepancies, and resolve accounting and payment issues.
Ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple customer accounts, and meet accounting deadlines.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate judgment when handling customer financial information.

Nice To Haves

An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; equivalent relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Familiarity with accounting software and ERP systems; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central is preferred.
Experience in a manufacturing, industrial machinery, distribution, or trading company.
Familiarity with machine sales transactions, including purchase orders, advance payments, progress payments, and project-related invoicing.

Responsibilities

Monitor customer account balances, maintain accurate accounts receivable records, identify overdue accounts, and address payment discrepancies.
Receive, record, and apply customer payments, including checks, ACH transfers, wire transfers, and credit card payments, through the company’s accounting system and banking platforms.
Contact customers by email and telephone about payment status and past-due balances, and coordinate collection efforts with Sales and Management.
Prepare and issue down payment, progress payment, and final payment invoices for machine sales according to customer purchase orders and agreed payment terms.
Track machine project payments, costs, expenses, service fees, travel expenses, and other charges in the company’s accounting system.
Record advance payments and customer deposits, maintain supporting documentation, and coordinate their application to customer invoices and machine sales projects.
Reconcile customer accounts by reviewing customer ledgers, payment histories, general ledger entries, and supporting documentation to identify and resolve discrepancies and unapplied payments.
Support month-end and year-end closing activities, including machine sales invoicing, application of advance payments, account reconciliation, review of outstanding receivables, and updating project financial records.
File and retain customer invoices, payment records, remittance information, bank documentation, checks, and other supporting financial documents for accounting and audit purposes.
Prepare Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) reports, coordinate UCC filing-related administrative activities, and maintain related customer documentation.
Coordinate with internal departments and external parties to resolve billing, payment, documentation, and accounting issues.
Perform other accounting and administrative responsibilities as assigned by Management.