ATE – Customer Relations Specialist

Crash Champions•Westmont, IL

About The Position

At Automotive Technology Experts (ATE), the company provides fast and accurate vehicle diagnostic scanning and calibration services to hundreds of customers, ensuring vehicle repairs are safe and operate as intended by the manufacturer. Founded in 2019, ATE addresses the collision industry's challenge of keeping up with rapidly changing vehicle technology by employing technicians nationwide and focusing on growth, customer care, and continuous training for career advancement. The ATE Customer Relations Specialist is responsible for accurate and timely billing, payment processing, and accounts receivable collection. This role involves collaborating with internal departments, customers, and external partners to resolve billing issues, support customer inquiries, and maintain precise financial records while adhering to company policies and internal controls.

Requirements

Equivalent combination of education and 5+ years of relevant experience (if no Bachelor's degree).
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Billing, Finance Operations, or a related operational role.
Demonstrated ability to translate business and financial processes into accurate, efficient, and repeatable operational workflows.
Strong understanding of accounts receivable processes, invoicing, payment application, reconciliation, and collections best practices.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (PivotTables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, formulas, filters, reporting).
QuickBooks Online experience required, including invoicing, payment application, and account reconciliation.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and the ability to work across multiple systems and platforms.
Proven experience working cross-functionally with internal teams such as Operations, Customer Service, Accounting, and Management.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills with the ability to use data to drive decisions and resolve discrepancies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including professional phone etiquette and customer-facing communication.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently while maintaining accountability and exercising sound judgment.
Proven ability to manage stakeholders effectively and collaborate across departments to achieve shared objectives.
Professional, positive demeanor with a high level of discretion when handling sensitive financial information.
Ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment with shifting priorities and deadlines.
Valid Driver’s License and safe driving record, if required for business purposes.
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. and stand for extended periods when working in office or automotive shop environments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Operations, or related field.
Experience with workflow tracking and reporting tools (e.g., Smartsheet).

Responsibilities

Process accounts receivable transactions, including payment research, application, posting, and reconciliation of entries across multiple systems.
Contact customers regarding billing and payment matters, including onboarding new customers and following up on past-due balances.
Answer inbound phone calls related to invoices, account questions, and payment processing; accept and process payments as needed.
Research and resolve payment discrepancies to ensure accurate posting to the correct account, repair order, and location.
Edit invoices as required, including applying approved discounts, adjustments, and corrections to customer accounts.
Generate and distribute monthly customer statements in a timely and accurate manner.
Log and maintain detailed payment records across multiple platforms to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
Deposit customer payments, including checks, into the bank and ensure deposits are properly recorded and reconciled.
Partner with internal departments and external partners to identify and resolve process issues impacting billing and collections.
Utilize internal systems and tools to research, troubleshoot, and resolve customer inquiries and discrepancies efficiently.
Ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies, and accounting best practices.
Take ownership of assigned accounts by proactively identifying issues and resolving them accurately and in a timely manner.
Perform other related duties as assigned.