Ascend Learning is hiring a Credit and Collections Specialist. As a Credit and Collections Specialist, you will utilize extensive knowledge of business practices to collect open receivables on assigned accounts. This position requires strong attention to detail as well as the ability to follow standard operating procedures in a customer service manner. Successful communication with external customers as well as internal Customer Service Teams is a necessity. This position is an integral part of the collections team toward meeting individual, team, and company goals, and increases cash flow through collection efforts on assigned accounts. Collection activities include collecting on assigned account portfolios, sending follow-up inquiries, making phone calls to clients, negotiating payment plans, managing customer disputes, reconciling account balances, and reviewing accounts for bad debt risk. The specialist communicates collection successes, collection opportunities, bad debt risk, and dispute challenges, and is also responsible for developing and maintaining standard operating procedures. WHERE YOU’LL WORK This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Leawood, KS office. HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME Continuous collection efforts toward BU specific AR customer accounts via email and phone. Research and analysis of customer accounts in order to request activation or release of credit hold status and to support customer balance due. Attend account receivable meetings to communicate key concerns surrounding the accounts receivable accounts, their bad debt risk, and related processes. Communicate and work with internal customer service teams in regard to client questions, and provide resolutions when needed. Maintain a high level of detail within the collection module in regard to collection efforts and steps with assigned accounts. Create and maintain dispute reports, attend dispute meetings, and propose next steps for individual problem accounts. Customer account reconciliations, communication, and teamwork with customers and other internal departments. Perform duties while aligned with Ascend Learning values and employee handbook. WHAT YOU'LL NEED 3 years of prior business-to-business collections experience. Intermediate experience working with Microsoft Excel, including creating and understanding pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and other formulas within multi-sheet reports. Must be able to effectively and professionally communicate via phone, email, and in person. Must be self-motivated with the ability to work proactively, independently, and decisively. Capacity to remain calm in conflict situations. Ability to problem solve, negotiate, and reason while reviewing and collecting on accounts. Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and meet assigned deadlines. Good organization and follow-up skills. High integrity, ethical standards, and a strong work ethic. High school diploma or GED required. BENEFITS