For more than a century, Ben E. Keith Company has been a leader in fine food and premium beverage distribution, and we strive to consistently exceed our customers' expectations.
Our Food Division is a complete broad line multi-state distributor, and our Beverage Division operates throughout the state of Texas as a proud distributor of Anheuser-Busch products, craft and import beer brands, spirits, and wine.
We are dedicated to the growth and success of our business, our customers, and our employees-continuing our commitment to delivering quality since 1906.
The Credit & Collections Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of the Credit and Accounts Receivable function by managing customer account setup, maintaining accurate credit records, supporting collections activities, reconciling customer accounts, and resolving payment discrepancies. This role partners with customers and internal teams to promote timely collections, maintain accurate financial records, and deliver exceptional customer service while utilizing SAP and other business systems to support accounts receivable processes.
Job Responsibilities:
Accounts Receivable & Collections
- Monitor assigned accounts receivable portfolio and perform collection activities to improve cash flow and minimize delinquent balances.
- Contact customers regarding outstanding invoices, payment discrepancies, deductions, and past due balances while maintaining positive customer relationships.
- Review aging reports to prioritize collection efforts and escalate issues as appropriate.
- Research and resolve payment discrepancies, short pays, unapplied cash, disputed invoices, and customer account issues.
- Perform customer account reconciliations to ensure account balances are accurate and resolve variances in a timely manner.
- Partner with Sales, Customer Service, Operations, and Accounting to resolve billing disputes and facilitate timely payment.
- Document collection activities and maintain accurate customer records.
Credit Administration & Account Maintenance
- Establish new customer accounts and maintain accurate customer master data within SAP and other business systems.
- Process customer credit applications, including reference verification, documentation review, and follow-up through approval.
- Audit new customer files to ensure required documentation is complete and complies with company policies.
- Maintain customer credit files, tax documentation, resale certificates, and supporting records.
- Monitor expiring tax exemption certificates and communicate renewal requirements to customers and Sales.
- Update customer account information, payment terms, credit limits, and contact information as needed.
Account Reconciliations & Financial Support
- Perform routine account reconciliations to ensure customer accounts accurately reflect invoices, payments, credits, and adjustments.
- Investigate and resolve account discrepancies by researching transaction history within SAP and supporting documentation.
- Process non-sufficient funds (NSF) payments and coordinate account updates as necessary.
- Support the processing of credit memos, account adjustments, write-offs, and other receivable transactions in accordance with company policies.
- Prepare and maintain government account aging reports and other accounts receivable reporting.
- Assist with month-end accounts receivable activities and reporting as needed.
Customer Service & Communication
- Provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers through professional, timely, and accurate communication.
- Respond to customer requests for invoices, statements, payment history, and account information.
- Communicate effectively with customers, Sales, Accounting, and management to resolve account issues and improve payment performance.
- Build collaborative relationships while balancing customer satisfaction with company credit and collection objectives.
Systems, Compliance & Other Responsibilities
- Utilize SAP and other business applications to process transactions, maintain customer records, monitor account activity, and generate reports.
- Identify opportunities to improve accounts receivable processes and workflow efficiencies.
- Maintain confidentiality of customer financial information and proprietary company data.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting procedures, and applicable regulations.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
- Two or more years of experience in accounts receivable, credit and collections, accounting support, or a related financial role preferred.
- Experience performing account reconciliations and researching customer account discrepancies preferred.
- Experience working within SAP or another ERP system preferred.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Valid driver's license required for conducting Company business.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
Skills, Competencies & Attributes:
Technical Skills
- Working knowledge of accounts receivable and credit and collections processes.
- Ability to interpret aging reports and manage collection priorities.
- Experience performing detailed account reconciliations and resolving discrepancies.
- Proficiency using SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
Core Competencies
- Customer Focus: Delivers exceptional service while effectively managing collection responsibilities.
- Accountability: Takes ownership of responsibilities and follows through to resolution.
- Attention to Detail: Maintains accuracy when processing transactions, reconciling accounts, and maintaining records.
- Problem Solving: Researches issues, identifies root causes, and develops effective solutions.
- Communication: Builds strong relationships through professional communication with customers and internal stakeholders.
- Organization: Effectively manages multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Collaboration: Works effectively across departments to resolve customer issues and support business objectives.
- Adaptability: Adjusts priorities and workload to meet changing business needs.
- Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
- Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
- Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs
Ben E. Keith (BEK) Company is one of the largest food and beverage distributors in the United States. We are a family-owned business with a long-standing tradition of supporting the diverse communities in which we live and work. Our competitive employee benefits provide health and financial protection to our employees and their families.
* Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
* Short and Long Term Disability
* 401K with matching contribution
* Profit-Sharing Plan (100% company-paid)
* Employee Assistance Program
* Wellness Program
* Educational Assistance Program
* Paid Vacation and holidays
* Employee Credit Union
We have sought to create an environment in which the contributions of each employee at Ben E. Keith are fully valued. This means more than simply treating one another with respect; it also means considering how all our people can positively impact the quality of the decisions we make about our business.
Here at Ben E. Keith, we recognize that our workforce reflects the increasingly diverse nature of our society, and we want to do all we can to take advantage of that diversity with both our external and internal customers. We believe our differences are also our strengths and we want to do all we can to use those strengths to find more creative solutions for the business challenges we face. Ben E. Keith is an equal employment opportunity, affirmative action employer. VEVRAA Federal Contractor
Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled
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