The Credit and AR Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the Credit and Accounts Receivable function, ensuring the timely collection of receivables, effective management of customer deductions, maintenance of customer credit risk, and development of staff. This position serves as the functional lead for Accounts Receivable processes, SAP system functionality, customer account management, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
The Credit and AR Supervisor partners closely with Sales, Customer Service, Logistics, Finance, and Information Systems to drive operational efficiency, improve cash flow, resolve complex customer issues, and maintain strong customer relationships. This role serves as the primary escalation point for strategic customer accounts and plays a key role in process development, change management, systems optimization, and departmental performance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.
- Establishes performance expectations and provides ongoing coaching, feedback, and development opportunities.
- Implements cross-training programs to ensure adequate departmental coverage and succession planning.
- Monitors employee workload and reallocates responsibilities as business needs require.
- Assists with hiring, onboarding, and training of new employees.
- Creates a positive, accountable, and customer-focused work environment.
- Oversees day-to-day collection activities for domestic, international, co-pack, and strategic customer accounts.
- Oversees customer collection activities to ensure timely receipt of payments and reduction of past-due balances.
- Monitors account aging and develops collection strategies to minimize risk and improve cash flow.
- Oversees customer dispute resolution activities and escalates significant issues as appropriate.
- Serves as the primary escalation point for major retail customer accounts.
- Oversees customer account activity involving Walmart, Target, Costco, and other national retailers.
- Manages complex customer deductions, trade spend claims, shortages, pricing discrepancies, freight claims, and chargeback disputes.
- Partners with Sales, Customer Service, Supply Chain, and Finance to resolve retailer-specific issues and improve deduction recovery.
- Develops processes and controls to reduce recurring customer deductions and improve collection performance.
- Maintains strong relationships with customer accounts payable departments and financial contacts.
- Leads continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, standardization, and process optimization.
- Champions change management efforts related to systems, workflows, and organizational initiatives.
- Recommends enhancements that improve productivity, accuracy, compliance, and customer satisfaction.
- Serves as the business process expert for the SAP Accounts Receivable module.
- Participates in system upgrades, implementations, integrations, and process improvement initiatives.
- Develops system-based reporting and process metrics to improve department performance.
- Maintains data integrity and compliance within Accounts Receivable systems.
- Prepares and reviews monthly aging reports, DSO calculations, collection reports, deduction analyses, and other department metrics.
- Reconciles general ledger activity and supports month-end close activities.
- Assists with internal and external audit requests.
- Conducts special analyses, projects, and reporting assigned.
- Maintains effective working relationships with Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Operations, Accounting, Information Systems, and external business partners.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong knowledge of credit, collections, accounts receivable, deduction management, and customer account administration.
- Strong understanding of accounting principles and financial statement analysis.
- Experience managing deductions, chargebacks, trade promotions, shortages, and retailer compliance requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Demonstrated process improvement and change management experience.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
Ability to:
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Strong negotiation skills
- Ability to pay attention to detail when looking at financial procedures
- Ability to influence and collaborate across functional teams.
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of progressive Credit and Accounts Receivable experience.
- Minimum 2-3 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Experience managing large-volume national retail accounts required.
Physical/Safety Requirements:
- Tolerate extended periods of sitting at desk.
- Ambient noise is louder than a traditional office setting.
