At Springfield Electric, we take great pride in our associates' passion, knowledge and experience. As a company with local roots and global reach, we thrive on the diversity of our associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success. Whether you're just starting your career or have built up your expertise over the years, we trust our people's skills and give them the tools they need to reach their full potential.

Since 1929, Springfield Electric has focused on providing value to each customer throughout the electrical supply chain. The company has strategically expanded to include distribution centers throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, to better serve all customers locally and internationally. Today, Springfield Electric strives to continue the legacy of delivering exceptional customer service and value to the markets we serve.

As a part of Sonepar, a worldwide leader in electrical distribution, we have a global reach that allows us to offer excellent benefits and develop innovative solutions, while maintaining our strong local roots and close-knit culture.

Primary Function

The Accounts Receivable - Credit Specialist prioritizes and collects accounts receivables, works with the credit manager in support of company goals, and provides excellent customer service. Additional tasks include gathering documentation, recordkeeping, being organized and having a good follow-up routine.

Essential Functions

A/R Reconciliations

• Prioritize and collect outstanding AR via phone, letter, or occasional customer meeting.
• Utilize Get Paid collection software routinely and consistently; specifically notating all collections activity and other important action in Get Paid (our system of record).
• Initiate anticipatory collection calls done at month end to ensure timely collections.
• Monitor receivables and collection of overdue balances and account reconciliation.
• Recommend customers' credit privileges be withdrawn (put account on hold), based on criteria provided. With Manager's approval place account on hold, advise both external and internal customer, and notate on account.
• Recommend an account be placed with an attorney and prepare file with Manager's approval.
• Timely resolution of disputed items, including escalating the matter to upper management when the situation has stalled.

Credit Limits & Credit Holds

• Review credit documentation and approve new accounts within guidelines.
• Daily review of override report - take actions as appropriate with Manager's approval, including updating credit files to ensure an appropriate credit limit is in place, and calling customer for payment bringing the account within the credit limit.
• Notify the customer and sales team of orders that will be held and release orders once credit standing is resolved.
• Review orders in approval queue and release or advise applicable parties that the order will be held.
• Process new accounts accurately, including account set up, reference checks, etc.

Job Accounts

• Compile documents and provide preliminary approval for job accounts, including updated credit file information, obtaining payment bonds, maintaining mechanic's lien rights, processing joint check agreements, etc.
• Monitor lien deadlines and complete line documents for job accounts.

Clerical

• Regularly follow-up with appropriate parties to prevent tasks getting delayed or unresolved.
• Conduct administrative support work, such as general office tasks and filing.
• Process sales tax exemptions by obtaining certificates, obtaining preliminary certificate approval and other related tasks.

Communication

• Answers and manages incoming phone calls, including checking and responding to voice messages.
• Monitors and responds to electronic messaging (Outlook & operating system) in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Uses appropriate forms of written communication both internally & externally.
• Maintains a working knowledge of required software applications and utilizes software for appropriate means of communication.

Customer Service

• Provide excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
• Quickly finds common ground and solves problems for the good of all.
• Easily gains trust and support of others.
• Maintains an accurate follow-up system for actively tracking promises made to customers and expediting deliveries to assure that materials are delivered as scheduled.
• Provides customer with appropriate product and substation information to assure customer is equipped with the knowledge needed to make an informed purchase.
• Resolves customer concerns.
• Encourages collaboration and is viewed as a team player.

Team Orientation

• Exchanges customer needs information in a timely fashion with Outside and Inside Sales Associates, Office Manager, Quotations Manager, Branch Manager, and Corporate Purchasing staff.
• Supports other branches in their efforts to secure and facilitate customer orders.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as instructed or required to successfully complete the job.

Necessary Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent, with secondary or post-secondary coursework concentrated in accounting or equivalent on the job experience as determined by Springfield Electric.
• At least two (2) years of electrical or distribution experience and/or product and application knowledge.
• Commitment to and demonstration of high ethical standards governing professional behavior and interactions.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong attention to detail for record keeping maintenance and documenting collection activity.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in written and verbal formats.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, including an ability to plan and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven attentiveness to detail coupled with problem analysis and resolution skills.
• Proven proficiency in data entry and 10-key pad.
• Proven proficiency in general personal computer applications, as well as in the use of Microsoft Office software, including Word and Excel.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Personal characteristic of "can do" attitude.
• Personal characteristic of a sense of urgency to follow up on time sensitive matters.

Desirable Qualifications

• Relationship based collections, risk management experience.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn tax laws: i.e. IL, IN, IA, PA, WI, MO, OH & KY

Physical Ability Requirements

• Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to utilize a computer keyboard, computer monitor, adding machine, and telephone for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally climb a ladder and step stool.
• Ability to lift, carry, and otherwise transport work-related materials that frequently weigh up to 25 lbs. and that may occasionally weigh in excess of 25 lbs.

Why work for Springfield Electric?

At Springfield Electric, we take great pride in being Powered by Difference.As a company with local roots and global reach, we thrive on the diversity of our associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success. Whether you're just starting your career or have built up your expertise over the years, we can provide opportunities to expand your industry experience and help take our business to another level.

401K Plan, Competitive Medical Plans (medical, dental, and vision), Paid Vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Personal, Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care), Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Life Insurance and a Definitive Career Path.

About Springfield Electric

Since 1929, Springfield Electric has focused on providing value to each customer throughout the electrical supply chain. The company has strategically expanded to include distribution centers throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, to better serve all customers locally and internationally. Today, Springfield Electric strives to continue the legacy of delivering exceptional customer service and value to the markets we serve. As a part of Sonepar, a worldwide leader in electrical distribution, we have a global reach that allows us to offer excellent benefits and develop innovative solutions, while maintaining our strong local roots and close-knit culture.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email .

EEO is the Law
Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. To learn more, Click here.

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision
Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here.