Cash Applications Manager

Encore Fire Protection • Pawtucket, RI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manager, Cash Applications, is responsible for leading Encore's cash application function during a period of significant organizational growth and transformation. This role directly oversees a team of Cash Application Specialists and is accountable for the timely, accurate posting of customer payments across a high-volume, decentralized customer base, while driving down unapplied and unidentified cash. This is a high-visibility role with a direct impact on the accuracy of Encore's AR ledger and downstream collections effectiveness. The ideal candidate is an experienced cash applications or order-to-cash leader with a track record of building teams, tightening controls, and implementing the operational discipline needed to keep cash posting current and accurate.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in cash applications, order-to-cash, or accounts receivable, with at least 2+ years in a management role overseeing a team.
• Demonstrated track record of driving measurable improvements in unapplied cash, posting accuracy, or straight-through processing rates in a high-volume environment.
• Experience leading cash application operations in a decentralized, multi-location, or field services business is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with cash application and collections management platforms (Esker experience a plus) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret bank and remittance data, identify trends, and translate data into action plans.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team through change.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain focus on high-impact activities.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience with lockbox banking relationships, remittance automation, or AI/OCR-based cash matching tools.
• Experience in a PE-backed, metric-driven environment (acquisition/integration exposure, EBITDA focus, working capital optimization, etc.) or a multi-site, decentralized operation.

Responsibilities

• Directly manage a team of Cash Application Specialists, providing coaching, accountability, and day-to-day direction.
• Set clear performance expectations, monitor individual and team output, and conduct regular one-on-ones and performance reviews.
• Drive a culture of accuracy, urgency, and continuous improvement across the cash applications team.
• Support onboarding and development of new and temporary cash application staff as volume scales.
• Identify high-potential team members and create development opportunities to build long-term bench strength.
• Own cash application outcomes across all payment channels, including lockbox, ACH, wire, credit card, and check remittances.
• Ensure daily cash is applied within established SLAs, prioritizing high-dollar and high-volume remittances.
• Monitor and drive down unapplied and unidentified cash balances, partnering with collections and billing to resolve root causes.
• Oversee research and resolution of short pays, deductions, overpayments, and misapplied cash.
• Track and report on weekly and monthly cash application KPIs to the Director of Accounts Receivable and senior leadership.
• Partner with Treasury and Banking on lockbox setup, remittance file formats, and payment portal enhancements.
• Identify gaps in cash application procedures and exception-handling workflows; implement improvements in partnership with AR leadership.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives targeting straight-through processing rates and reduction of manual touches.
• Partner with the Manager, AR Operations and Collections Manager to ensure cash posting aligns with billing accuracy and collections activity.
• Ensure daily cash application reconciles to bank deposits and the general ledger, escalating and resolving discrepancies timely.
• Maintain strong internal controls over cash handling, unapplied cash aging, and refund/credit processing.
• Support month-end close activities related to cash application, unapplied cash, and customer credit balances.
• Partner with internal and external audit on cash application testing and documentation requests.
• Prepare and present cash application performance reporting to AR leadership, including unapplied cash aging and trend analysis.
• Collaborate with branch operations, billing, and collections to resolve root causes of misapplied or unidentified payments.
• Partner with the Director of Accounts Receivable on strategic initiatives including AR transformation, system integrations, and process automation.

Benefits

• Competitive Pay: Hourly rate based on experience with a performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Tuition Assistance: Paid tuition for fire protection-related schooling needed to obtain licensing.
• Purpose-Driven Work Environment: We believe in working smarter, not harder. You’ll be part of a culture that values results, and we empower our team to focus on impactful work.
• Swag: High-quality company swag and attire (t-shirts, hoodies, jackets) – at least twice a year.
• People-Focused Culture: We know our greatest strength is our people. That’s why we’ve built a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and improving together. You’ll have the space to share your ideas and help shape a company that is constantly growing.
• Tools for Success: Access to leading-edge web-based productivity tools.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Retirement Planning: Participation in our Fidelity 401(k) plan with a company match, helping you save for your future.
• Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance policy of $50,000 to give you peace of mind.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree