Collection Specialist (Accounts Receivable) at Maersk

Purpose

The Accounts Receivable (AR) Collection Specialist is responsible for managing and collecting outstanding accounts receivables, ensuring timely payments from clients, and resolving issues related to overdue accounts. This role serves as a key liaison between Finance and Operations, ensuring a seamless customer experience in finance-related processes while minimizing the impact of overdue debt on the company’s financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Contact customers to follow up on overdue payments and negotiate payment plans within company guidelines.
• Ensure strict adherence to the credit policy and maintain credit control procedures.
• Monitor debt aging and ensure timely action to minimize risk.
• Process credit application requests and maintain an up-to-date credit limit list.
• Act as a business partner between Operations and Finance, ensuring customer concerns are addressed efficiently.
• Handle walk-in customers with inquiries related to their statements of accounts and disputed invoices.
• Visit customers to resolve credit-related challenges and establish positive relationships.
• Provide weekly updates on turnover and outstanding accounts.
• Maintain accurate records of communications, transactions, and payment arrangements.
• Investigate and resolve discrepancies in accounts.
• Ensure timely clearance of accounts and proper reporting of collections.
• Produce relevant management reports and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Prepare accounts for legal action when necessary and engage cost-effective legal assistance.
• Collaborate with Global Service Centers (GSC) to enhance efficiency.
• Drive automation and effective control processes within AR collections.
• Promote awareness of the cost of capital on overdue accounts.
• Foster cross-functional communication to streamline financial processes.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of experience in accounting and collections, preferably in a multinational company.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles, cash transactions, and financial reporting.
• Proficiency in financial database software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage high volumes of data.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills to handle both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate integrity in handling financial matters.
• Knowledge of the shipping or logistics industry is a strong advantage.
• Experience in a multinational firm is highly appreciated.