Credit-Past Due Collections Specialist III

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. POSITION SUMMARY: The Credit-Past Due Collections Specialist III is responsible for Collection and Accounts Receivable. Primary areas of responsibility include resolving non-standard deductions, complex cash application, and cross-department billing and shipping issues, and serving as the first point of escalation for Specialist I and II team members. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION (Other duties may be assigned.): Manage collections on an assigned portfolio of complex accounts, including accounts with retailer-specific portals, terms, and compliance requirements. Research and resolve deductions and chargebacks (shortages, pricing, promotional, RMA, compliance); dispute or adjust within assigned approval authority and escalate amounts above it. Establish credit lines for new accounts and adjustments for existing accounts in accordance with company policies. Reconcile customer accounts and prepare statements of account on request. Release and approve orders for shipment based on account status. Partner with Routing & Logistics, EDI, Sales, and Customer Service to resolve the root cause of recurring billing and shipping issues. Serve as escalation point and backup for Specialist I and II team members; help train on procedures and team workflows. POSITION REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty successfully. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. High school diploma or equivalent; college-level accounting coursework preferred. 3 to 5 years of credit, collections, or accounts receivable experience required. Experience with retailer deductions and vendor portals. Strong Excel skills, including formulas, VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and reconciling data from multiple sources. Company-developed Excel test required. System used: Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations. Retailer, dealer, and payment portals (such as Esker). Ability to use company-approved AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot and Claude) in accordance with LFI's AI policy, including protecting confidential data and verifying output before relying on it. Sets daily priorities independently within a defined portfolio; escalates exceptions outside approval authority. Achieves collection results without jeopardizing customer relationships. Communicate clearly in writing with customers and internal departments. Works effectively in a team environment. Must be willing to conduct oneself in accordance with LFI's Core Values. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS / WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This is a remote position; a reliable internet connection is required. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to maintain communication on telephone via headset and to sit for extended periods. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift, push, pull, or carry up to ten (10) pounds. REPORTING: This position reports directly to: Credit Supervisor