Collections Specialist I

Caleres • Clayton, MO

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Caleres, a global footwear company with a rich history, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Collections Specialist to join their Accounts Receivable team in St. Louis, MO. This role is crucial for supporting healthy cash flow and maintaining strong customer relationships by managing outstanding receivables, resolving payment issues, and collaborating with customers and internal teams to ensure timely payment resolution. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, be highly organized, and thrive in a fast-paced environment that values attention to detail and customer service.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred; equivalent work experience considered
• 0-2 years of collections, accounts receivable, customer service, administrative, or related business experience
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a customer-focused approach
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively in a deadline-driven environment
• Willingness to learn systems, processes, and financial workflows
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Outlook, and Word

Nice To Haves

• Experience in retail, wholesale, distribution, or large corporate environments is a plus
• Basic understanding of accounts receivable, collections, or accounting principles preferred
• Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems is a plus

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily outreach to assigned customer accounts via phone and email to follow up on outstanding balances and secure timely payment.
• Assist customers with invoice copies, account statements, remittance reconciliation, and payment inquiries.
• Escalate disputed invoices, unresolved issues, and delayed payments appropriately to ensure prompt resolution and minimize aging balances.
• Record collection activities, customer interactions, payment commitments, and resolution progress within designated financial and collections systems.
• Partner with Accounting, Customer Service, Sales, Credit, and Disputes teams to identify and resolve payment obstacles, correct invoice issues, and improve collections effectiveness.
• Develop knowledge of collections processes, dispute workflows, credit holds, and key performance metrics.

Benefits

• 30% Associate Discount across Famous Footwear and Caleres brands
• 401(k)
• Health benefits
• PTO
• Access to earnings before payday
• Free, 24/7 confidential support and resources through our Employee Assistance Program
• Relaxed Dress Code

What This Job Offers

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