Accounts Receivable Analyst

Company Description Windy City Wire® has been a leader in low-voltage wire innovation since 1994, providing comprehensive cable management solutions that help integrators work efficiently from concept to completion. The company designs products such as Smartwire® cables and the patented RackPack® Field Systems Solution to address real challenges in the field. Windy City Wire invests in advanced systems, including a real-time eCommerce platform and bar code inventory management, as well as the Smartwire System Design Tool® software to support custom job planning. The organization emphasizes value-added services and a strong customer focus to ensure satisfaction, standing behind its products with a commitment to mutual success.Windy City Wire is seeking a detail-oriented and customer-focused Credit & Collections analyst to join our Credit and Collections team. This position plays an important role in managing customer accounts, evaluating credit risk, applying customer payments, resolving account issues, and supporting timely collection of outstanding receivables. The ideal candidate is organized, analytical, comfortable making sound credit decisions, and able to work effectively with customers, sales representatives, and internal teams.Key Responsibilities Collections & Delinquency Management·        Proactively monitor accounts receivable aging and contact customers regarding past-due balances.·        Develop effective collection strategies and follow up consistently on delinquent accounts.·        Research and resolve billing disputes, deductions, and other issues delaying payment.·        Escalate higher-risk or significantly delinquent accounts when appropriate.·        Document collection activity and customer commitments accurately.·        Respond professionally and promptly to customer inquiries regarding invoices, payments, account balances, credit status, and related matters.Cash Application ·        Accurately apply customer payments, including ACH, checks, wire transfers, and other payment methods.·        Research and resolve payment discrepancies, short payments, deductions, unapplied cash, and account credits. ·        Maintain accurate customer account balances and supporting documentation.Customer Credit Reviews·        Review new and existing customer accounts to evaluate creditworthiness and establish appropriate credit limits and payment terms.·        Analyze credit reports, trade references, payment history, financial information, and other relevant data. ·        Perform periodic reviews of existing customer credit limits and risk exposure.·        Maintain complete and accurate customer credit files.Credit Decisions ·        Make or recommend credit limit and order-release decisions based on established company policies and risk considerations. ·        Evaluate orders exceeding established credit limits or involving past-due balances.·        Partner with sales to balance customer relationships and credit risks. Sales Tax & Exemption Processing·        Review and process customer sales tax exemption certificates and related documentation.·        Maintain accurate and current exemption records.·        Follow up with customers for missing, expired, or incomplete exemption certificates.·        Assist with resolving sales tax discrepancies and customer tax-related questions.·        Support compliance efforts related to customer tax documentation.Qualifications ·        Prior experience in credit, collections, accounts receivable, cash application, or a related accounting function required. ·        Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate customer credit risk.·        Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.·        Strong verbal and written communication skills.·        Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with customers and internal sales teams.·        Comfortable making decisions and following up consistently on outstanding issues.·        Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience working with ERP/accounting systems.·        Knowledge of sales tax exemption certificates and related documentation is a plus.