Cash Application Specialist

PCA•Lake Forest, IL

1d•$46,000 - $50,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Cash Application Specialist is responsible for the application and resolution of cash discrepancies received through automatic bank posting to the corporate Accounts Receivable system. This position handles a significant volume of remittance line items daily and reviews payments that do not fully auto-apply for a number of reasons (tax, shortages, deductions, pricing, etc.). Other responsibilities include offsets, transfers, and help desk support to PCA personnel through the A/R Helix Help Desk System. Communication with plants, Sales and IT may be necessary at times in order to resolve discrepancies, errors or stalled system issues and unknown problems that may come up. This position is responsible for processing 300-350 payments per week and requires a detail-oriented individual who can fully understand the application of a payment across a multiple number of plants. This is a high-volume department, which processes approximately 5,000 checks/ACH payments per week and approximately $110,000,000 to $135,000,000 in payments. The A/R Department also receives about 750-1,000 Helix tickets per month that require timely resolution and communication with the plants and Corporate Accounting.

Requirements

Education equivalent to graduation from high school required, two years of accounting college courses preferred.
3-5 years of experience in Accounts Receivables preferred.
Ability to quickly learn new computer application programs. Previous experience with computer software that handles accounts receivable preferred. This position would use GEAC Accounts Receivable and General Ledger transactions. The A/R departments also supports it’s own help desk using the Helix application.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Internet, and Outlook required.
Strong organizational skills.
Able to prioritize assignments and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong mathematical ability, analytical skills, and ability to evaluate entries for accuracy and appropriateness.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to communicate company policies and procedures related to the Accounts Receivable process.
Good customer service skills
Previous work experience as a member of a team, or a strong understanding of the importance of open communication and information sharing between team members.
Able to work overtime as needed.

Responsibilities

Accurately process daily cash received within the Oracle on-line system
Review daily checks received via BMO Harris Bank Internet software for discrepancies
Analyze key remittance data and deductions / discrepancies to accurately reflect the customer’s payment
Process requests received in Helix from plant personnel for offsets to clear or correct customer accounts
Process and research Helix requests for discrepancy transfers from one plant to another
Assist plant personnel with information regarding removals or applications on customer accounts
Troubleshoot potential cash application issues with plants, sales and IT if necessary.
Understand and apply the corporate accounting A/R policies and procedures appropriately
Adheres to a large number of instructions to readily recognize payment exceptions before merely placing the payment on account
Review customer remittances that are loaded in Sharepoint to ensure its proper application.
Provide cross-functional support to the A/R team in case of team member absence
Knows and follows policies and procedures of the company, shares information that would benefit other members of the team and finds ways to improve the delivery of service to our customers
Strives to strengthen PCA’s business philosophy of meeting needs and exceeding expectation for customers. This includes supporting PCA’s Commitment to Service which involves doing what’s right for our customers, focusing on strategies that add value and support growth, and keeping the promises that we make
Communicates with the plants, sales or customer when needed to resolve any payment discrepancy or issue that could create downstream impacts.