Head of Accounts Receivable & Collections

The Head of Accounts Receivable & Collections leads the company's end-to-end accounts receivable and collections function with a clear mandate to optimize cash flow, reduce risk, and scale processes to support business growth. This role owns AR strategy and execution, ensuring strong DSO performance, disciplined credit and collections practices, and a balanced, customer-focused approach.

This leader partners closely with Finance, Treasury, Sales, Customer Experience, and Operations to provide insight, influence outcomes, and resolve issues impacting cash and customer relationships. The role is responsible for building high-performing teams, establishing meaningful KPIs, and driving continuous improvement across people, process, and systems.

Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategy
  • Own and execute the accounts receivable and collections strategy aligned to company cash flow and financial objectives.
  • Lead, coach, and develop AR teams across credit, collections, cash application, and customer-facing AR support.
  • Establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.
• Accounts Receivable Management
  • Oversee credit assessment, collections execution, payment application, reconciliations, and AR customer support.
  • Ensure consistent policy application while balancing customer experience and commercial relationships.
  • Escalate and resolve complex or high-risk customer situations as needed.
• Cash Flow, KPIs & Financial Insight
  • Monitor and improve DSO, aging, and cash conversion metrics.
  • Develop and maintain AR dashboards, reporting, and performance insights for Finance and leadership.
  • Partner with Treasury on cash forecasting and short-term liquidity planning.
• Cross-Functional Partnership
  • Collaborate with Sales, Customer Experience, and Operations to resolve issues impacting invoicing, disputes, and collections.
  • Act as a trusted advisor and point of escalation on AR-related risks and customer matters.
• Process Improvement & Systems Optimization
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and reduce manual effort.
  • Support ERP, reporting, and automation initiatives impacting the AR function.
  • Ensure AR processes scale effectively with business growth.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Core Skillsets

To be successful in this role, an individual must demonstrate strength in the following competencies:

Strategic & Technical AR Leadership

• Deep understanding of accounts receivable, credit, collections, cash application, and reconciliation processes

• Commitment to continuous learning and staying current on best practices, systems, and financial tools

• Ability to translate AR expertise into scalable, repeatable processes

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Ability to manage complex, escalated, or sensitive customer situations with professionalism and sound judgment

• Balances firm collections practices with a customer-focused, solutions-oriented approach

• Builds trust and credibility with internal and external stakeholders

Communication & Influence

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present clearly to leadership and customers

• Capable of influencing outcomes, resolving conflict, and navigating difficult conversations

• Able to communicate financial and operational data in a clear, actionable way

People Leadership & Collaboration

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams while fostering accountability and collaboration

• Creates a positive team environment that prioritizes shared goals, feedback, and performance

• Works effectively across departments to drive results

Professional Judgment & Integrity

• Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive or confidential information

• Maintains professionalism under pressure and follows through on commitments

• Acts in alignment with organizational values and ethical standards

Not Exclusive

The duties outlined in this document are not limited to what is presented and are not exclusive. You may be asked from time to time to perform additional duties by your supervisor.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field; or 10 years of equivalent experience
• 7+ years of progressive accounts receivable or finance experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success improving AR performance, cash flow, and operational discipline.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel and reporting capabilities; comfort translating data into insights.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and with leadership.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong Computer Skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/Outlook/PowerPoint, Access)
• High level of integrity with experience handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Experience working with ERP systems (SAP or JD Edwards experience a plus).
• Exposure to AR process improvement, transformation, or automation initiatives.