Collections Manager
Job Description
- Lead and mentor the Accounts Receivable (AR) team to achieve excellence in invoicing, reconciliation, and collections.
- Enhance processes around credit approvals, collections, risk management, and customer communications to drive efficiency and reduce DSO.
- Review and approve credit applications, set credit terms, and collaborate with Sales and Finance to align risk with business growth.
- Personally handle due diligence for major accounts to ensure informed credit decisions.
- Maintain up-to-date customer credit files, including payment history, scores, and trade credit thresholds.
- Proactively resolve invoice disputes, balancing firm collection practices with positive customer relationships.
- Deliver insightful KPI reports and dashboards to leadership, highlighting opportunities for improvement and risk mitigation.
- Identify and implement automation, process improvements, and risk reduction initiatives.
- Partner with executive leadership to forecast cash flow and optimize collections strategies.
- Ensure adequate staffing, resources, and training are in place to support a high-performing AR and Billing team.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in credit and collections management.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or related field (preferred).
- Strong knowledge of credit-related laws, regulations, and best practices.
- Proven ability to negotiate effectively and resolve customer disputes.
- Track record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving measurable results.
- Proficiency with Excel, ERP/CRM systems (NetSuite preferred), and financial reporting tools.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner across departments and influence outcomes.
- Analytical mindset with exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
Meet Your Recruiter
Alicia Alexander
Technical Recruiter & Team Mentor
Alicia Alexander is a Technical Recruiter and Team Mentor at Sterling Engineering with four years of recruiting experience and nearly three years with Sterling. She specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and technical recruiting, supporting roles across maintenance, reliability, operations, engineering, and industrial environments, including food and life sciences.
Alicia is passionate about helping people find careers where they feel genuinely happy, supported, and positioned for long-term growth. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with candidates, helping them take the next step in their careers, and supporting companies as they build strong, high-performing teams.
With a background in psychology and human resources from North Central College, Alicia brings a people-focused approach to recruiting. Her understanding of relationship building, communication, and candidate motivation helps her create successful matches between talent and opportunity.
Alicia is known for developing strong partnerships with both candidates and hiring managers, with a focus on creating long-term placements that benefit both the individual and the organization.