Collections Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Collections Specialist to join a wholesale distribution organization in Oak Brook, Illinois on a Contract basis. This position supports the accuracy of customer accounts by managing collections activity, payment application, credits, deductions, and returns processing. The role is well suited for someone who can balance detailed transactional work with responsive communication across internal teams and external customers. You will play an important part in keeping receivables current, resolving account issues efficiently, and helping month-end activities stay on track.

Responsibilities:

• Investigate unpaid invoices, short payments, and deduction claims to identify underlying issues and drive timely resolution.

• Manage a high volume of open deduction items, maintaining organized tracking and status updates in Excel.

• Apply customer payments accurately, including manual posting for transactions that do not load through standard bank file processes.

• Review payment exceptions from bank reporting, complete manual account updates, and coordinate file handling with technical support teams when needed.

• Enter customer credit requests into designated workflow tools, monitor approvals, and ensure supporting documentation is issued for return activity.

• Process approved credits, help reduce outstanding credit request backlogs, and support related credit and rebill transactions.

• Record return transactions in the ERP system through manual entry while ensuring data accuracy and proper documentation.

• Work closely with customer service, managers, IT, and other business partners to resolve disputes, returns, deductions, and account discrepancies.

• Contribute to month-end close by completing cash application, credits, returns, and deduction processing within required timelines.

• Maintain clear account records and prepare accurate reporting for deduction notices and other receivables activity.

The salary range for this position is $26.50 to $33.65/hour, plus bonus. Benefits are available including medical, vision, and dental, and life and disability insurance. Employees hired for our FTEP Program are also eligible to enroll in our company's 401(k) or deferred compensation plan (if eligible). FTEP employees also earn paid time off for vacation, personal needs, and sick time and paid holidays. Learn more at roberthalfbenefits.com/resources. Our specialized recruiting professionals apply their expertise and utilize our proprietary AI to find you great job matches faster.

• At least 5 years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, cash application, or credit and returns support.
• Hands-on experience resolving deduction claims, short payments, and customer billing discrepancies.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to manage tracking logs, reporting, and formula-based analysis.
• Knowledge of commercial collections practices and related billing and rebill processes.
• Experience using ERP platforms such as Infor, with the ability to navigate transaction-based workflows effectively.
• Familiarity with SharePoint or similar systems used for data entry and approval routing is preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage high-volume manual processing with accuracy.
• Effective communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external contacts.