Collections Specialist

Collections SpecialistCarlsbad, CA, USAAbout the Job Collections SpecialistTasks and Responsibilities Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:Follow up on an assigned portfolio accounts based on experience and skill. This includes collection calls, customer deductions and customer reconciliations.Review daily credit holds through review of customer history, industry credit reports, to ensure timely release of orders. Escalate to Credit Analysts for review when necessary.Run and analyze weekly aging, deduction and top account past due reports finding root cause of issues that delay payments and cause deductions.Perform ongoing cash collections.Correspond with assigned sales reps and customer accounts on a regular basis to pro-actively resolve collection issues.Represent the brand and utilize the PUMA 4Keys (Fair, Honest, Positive, Creative) in all decisions, actions, processes and practices.Qualifications1+ years of experienceKnowledgeable with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and OutlookNegotiation and problem-solving skillsEffective phone/email communication skillsBasic understanding of Billing, AR, and Credit and Collections proceduresMust HaveExperienceAt least 1+ year of experience in billing, accounts receivable (AR), or credit and collections.Technical SkillsProficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.Basic understanding of billing processes, AR principles, and credit and collections procedures.Communication SkillsEffective phone and email communication skills to correspond professionally with customers and internal teams.Problem-Solving & NegotiationProven ability to negotiate effectively and resolve payment or deduction issues with customers.Customer ManagementExperience working with assigned portfolios of customer accounts, including performing collection calls and reconciliations.Analytical AbilitiesAbility to run and analyze reports (e.g., aging reports, deduction reports) to identify root causes of delays and deductions.Nice to HaveIndustry KnowledgePrevious experience working in the sportswear, retail, or fashion industries.Software ProficiencyExperience with specialized credit management, AR, or billing software beyond Microsoft tools.Reporting SkillsAdvanced knowledge of Excel, such as creating pivot tables or using complex formulas, would be an advantage.Team CollaborationPrevious collaboration with sales teams to proactively resolve collections and credit-related issues.PUMA 4Keys AlignmentFamiliarity with values-driven work environments or companies with sustainability-focused initiatives.LanguagesProficiency in multiple languages, especially if dealing with international customers.Or refer someone