What does an Accounts Receivable Specialist do?

An Accounts Receivable Specialist manages money coming into the business, invoicing customers and collecting what they owe. They issue invoices, apply payments, follow up on overdue accounts, and keep the AR ledger accurate so cash flow stays predictable.

What are the main responsibilities of an Accounts Receivable Specialist?

The core duties are invoicing customers, applying payments, and running collections on overdue balances. Most specialists also manage the AR aging report, resolve billing disputes, and reconcile receivables to the general ledger at month-end.

What skills does an Accounts Receivable Specialist need?

Persistence and clear, professional communication drive successful collections, backed by accuracy in invoicing and cash application. Comfort with accounting systems and a working grasp of credit terms help the specialist keep accounts current without straining customer relationships.

What should an Accounts Receivable Specialist job description include?

A strong job description opens with a one-line definition and brief, then lists key duties, full responsibilities, and required experience and systems. Noting invoice volume, your billing model, and the reporting line helps candidates gauge fit.

Who does an Accounts Receivable Specialist work with?

Accounts Receivable Specialists sit within the finance team and report to an AR manager or controller. They work closely with customers, sales, and customer success on billing and disputes, and support finance leadership with cash flow reporting.

Finance

Accounts Receivable Specialist Job Description

Accountant Financial Analyst Finance Manager Financial Controller Bookkeeper Accounts Payable Specialist Auditor Tax Accountant Payroll Manager CFO

About the role

Our finance team needs an Accounts Receivable Specialist to own customer invoicing and collections end to end. You will issue invoices, apply payments, chase overdue accounts, and keep the AR aging report healthy while maintaining positive customer relationships. This role is a great fit for someone persistent and personable who understands that steady collections directly protect the company's cash position.

Key responsibilities

Issue accurate customer invoices and apply incoming payments
Manage collections and reduce overdue balances
Maintain a clean AR aging report and reconcile accounts

Responsibilities

Generate and send customer invoices based on contracts, orders, or milestones
Apply incoming payments and match them to the correct invoices
Monitor the AR aging report and follow up on past-due accounts
Contact customers by phone and email to collect outstanding balances
Investigate and resolve billing disputes, short payments, and deductions
Set up and maintain customer accounts, credit terms, and limits
Process refunds, credit memos, and payment adjustments
Reconcile the AR sub-ledger to the general ledger each month
Prepare cash receipt forecasts and collections status reports
Recommend accounts for escalation, payment plans, or write-off

Requirements

High school diploma required; an associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting or finance is a plus
2 or more years of accounts receivable, billing, or collections experience
Understanding of the order-to-cash cycle and credit management basics
Experience with accounting or ERP systems and customer billing tools
Strong follow-up discipline and a professional, customer-friendly manner

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