Credit and Collections Manager

ICEE•La Vergne, TN

About The Position

The role of Credit & Collection Manager is crucial in supporting the organization’s cashflow health and minimizing bad debt exposure. Oversee staff performance and processes across the credit and collection departments. Protect the company’s revenue and optimize cash flow through the development, implementation and control of process workflow strategies in compliance with financial accounting procedures, company policies, and in alignment with internal SOX controls. Leverage credit and financial information to assess credit risk, set credit limits, and proactively engage senior management with key metrics and information to support strong customer relationships and enforce controls for customers at risk. Monitor order to cash processes to identify and recommend improvements to strengthen invoice quality, profitability and resource efficiency.

Requirements

Strong leadership skills and proven ability to partner with business leadership, build relationships, and support change management initiatives to strengthen profitability and process optimization.
Excellent organization and time management skills.
Highly motivated, highly organized, diligent, creative, and self-starter.
Excellent technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Continuous improvement with high attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with all team member levels within the Company.
Strong management experience – the ability to lead, coach and train staff.
Strong Knowledge of Credit and Collections policies and procedures
Commitment to Excellent Customer Service.
Proficient with Excel including Pivot Tables, use of complex formulas, and power apps.
BA/BS degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field ideal.
Minimum 7 years of progressive management experience in a CPG, service or manufacturing industry of appropriate scale and complexity.
Proven experience, certifications or specialized training in credit financial analysis.
High level of competency in Microsoft tools with focused skills in using Excel macros, automation applications, and project management.
Proven experience in partnering with senior leadership to develop and implement credit and collection policies and procedures across varying divisions and departments required.
Knowledge and background in managing EDI and customer invoicing requirement portals.

Nice To Haves

JD Edwards ERP system knowledge is preferred
Practiced knowledge in managing complex dispute/deduction customer portfolios based on multi-faceted discounts, rebates, short-shipments, and distributor selling relationships preferred.
Background in providing support services involving multi-branch or multi-entity environments ideal.
Experience in designing and implementing AR automation tools.

Responsibilities

Recruit, train, develop, and manage Credit and Collection staff related to performance, goal setting, deductions/dispute management, and credit risk monitoring to foster team development, and a productive and compliant work environment.
Review and implement strategies based on customer types, purchasing channels, invoicing requirements, and payment trends to optimize collector portfolio performance, and customer communication to maximize cashflow, reduce bad debt, reduce DSO and strengthen customer relationships based on interface and alignment with CFO and key stakeholders.
Collaborate with senior management and cross-functional teams to accelerate resolution of invoice deduction/disputes, and payment trends in accordance with company sales promotions, contractual rebates, and invoicing requirements.
Oversee the credit risk evaluation of new and existing customers by evaluating financial statements, trade references, and industry reports to determine and adjust credit limits in compliance with established company credit policies, customers financial risk, and payment performance.
Ensure compliance with internal financial accounting procedures and policies, SOX controls, and local/state/federal laws relevant to credit and collection practices.
Assist Finance Controlling and Accounting in the analysis and recommendation of month end reserves relating to bad debt, cash discounts, returns, chargebacks, and rebates.
Assist in planning, evaluating, implementing, and continuously improving all aspects of credit and collection functions and its processes.
Manage bankruptcy filings and third-party collection placements including engagement with senior management to negotiate payments and finalize settlements.
Ensure accurate collection efforts and dispute reasons are maintained in relevant tools and systems.
Prepare reports on collection performance, KPI metrics, and outstanding debts to senior management and sales for informed decision making and risk mitigation actions.