Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections Manager

SC JOHNSON IS A FIFTH-GENERATION FAMILY COMPANY BUILT ON THE SPIRIT OF OUR PEOPLE. We have been leading with purpose for over 130 years, building iconic brands that win the hearts and minds of consumers – such as Raid®, Glade®, Ziploc® and more, in virtually every country around the world. Together, we are creating a better future – for the planet, for future generations and for every SCJ team member. Join our winning team of Wave Makers and Go Getters and help us write the next chapter in the SCJ story.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As the Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections Manager you will manage the relationship of customers, Accounts Receivable assets, and several billion dollars of Invoice Collections annually for multiple business units within North America. These responsibilities will continue to grow over time via acquisitions and integrations. You will oversee Credit Limits, Payment Terms, and Cash Discount compliance and negotiates and resolves payment disputes regularly with customers such as Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Costco, Amazon, etc. You are also responsible for overseeing systems and processes that ensure high-quality customer risk assessments. Key responsibilities include assigning credit limits and risk codes, ensuring timely and accurate customer invoicing, and managing the prompt collection of payments. This role also involves extensive cross-functional collaboration with teams such as Customer Fulfillment, Customer Supply Chain, Transportation, Sales, BPT, and Finance. Additionally, this position leads a team of seven and requires regular domestic travel to engage with trade groups and customers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manage Customer Risk Assessments and Credit Limit Authorizations:

• Perform thorough credit reviews of new and existing customers, including but not limited to:

  • Lead financial review sessions with Finance Executives from SCJ’s customers and build and maintain strong customer relationships to obtain critical financial information, learn of business trends/changes, and address potential business risks/issues. 

  • In-depth risk review of customers’ annual audited financial statements, and payment performance to SCJ and other manufacturers in the industry.

  • Review of credit rating and financial reports from contracted third-party service providers.

  • Active participant/committee/board member in Trade Credit Groups and conferences to discuss common customer experiences and to maintain strong network connections with credit peers.

Manage Order Release of High-Risk Customers:

• Manage strategies and perform release of sales orders from credit hold within prescribed delegation of authority limits. Establish new credit limits and recommend holding customer shipments as needed.

• Develop and actively manage SCJ’s High Risk Customer list and communicate to Sales Leadership twice annually to mitigate business interruption and bankruptcy risk.

Manage the efficiency and effectiveness of Invoicing collections and Cash Discount expense:

• Ensure invoices with proper payment terms are created and posted timely upon shipment.

• Resolve and correct invoice errors in SAP and communicate to customers effectively.

• Manage and perform collection activities to keep customer payments current and within cash discount compliance including:

  • Manage staff of 4 Credit Specialists, 2 Associate Managers and 1Sr. Credit Analysts and set routine collection activities and strategies.

  • Follow-up with SCJ’s BPT & EDI Teams, Customer Service, RDCs, Manufacturing sites, and Transportation Carriers & Customers to resolve shipment disputes.

  • Complete Monthly KPI (DSO, Past Dues, and Cash Discount Compliance, etc.) analyses and commentary to ensure broader commercial team awareness of results and ensuring annual objectives are met.

• Negotiate disputed payments and terms with Customer’s Finance Executives and Merchandise Buyers to ensure Robinson-Patman compliance and effective use of SCJ’s Working Capital.

• Implement and Automate OPEX and Lean projects to maintain efficiencies and effectiveness of team while business continues to grow and integrate new businesses into the shared service network.

Manage Customer Bankruptcies and minimize SCJ’s Bad Debt Risk:

• Lead the bankruptcy process for customers that file Chapter 11 or Chapter 7 Bankruptcy:

  • Timely file claims for A/R outstanding at the time of filing with the bankruptcy court, including §503 (b) (9) claims, perform Preference analysis and defend actions filed.

  • Follow up with assigned bankruptcy attorneys, creditors' committees, and credit service providers to keep up to date on progress of bankruptcy cases and potential recoveries.

  • Negotiate preference lawsuits with bankruptcy trustees.

  • Analyze Allowance for Doubtful Account to reflect customer situation and bad debt risk.

Manage SAP Accounts Receivable System for both external Customer & Internal SCJ changes:

• Lead annual internal and external audits for controls, risk assessments & accuracy.

• Project Lead or Super-User to support commercial new developments and BPT Order-to-Cash enhancements and testing.  Recent projects include Acquisition Integrations, RDC network changes, EDI upgrades and banking partner changes. 

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 3+ years of direct Credit experience

• +7 years of experience with finance and accounting background with ability to read and assess P&L and Balance Sheet risk. 

• +1 year of experience with SAP R/3 and Credit Management. Proficiency with Excel, Word, and Power Point. Quick adaptability to multiple computer systems.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS

• Master’s degree (preferably in Finance/Accounting): Minimum 5+ years of relevant experience

• Project Management and Execution Excellence – Knowledge of SCJ’s systems and financial

• processes to develop and execute projects plans. Ability to manage multiple projects/tasks at once.

• Continuous Improvement& Simplification ability (i.e. Lean, Six Sigma, etc.)– Applying a continuous improvements framework to resolving issues, seeking new ways to enhance performance, improve KPI’s and/ or transform the business/industry. 

• Strategic Thinking – Creating and communicating SCJ’s Credit & Collection strategies and priorities to cross-functional teams and external customers.

• Influencing- Garners support for initiatives from Sales, Supply Chain, BPT and Finance by gaining respect of others, and inspiring trust and confidence.

• Negotiation – Negotiate courageously to resolve customer payment terms and disputes towards Win/Win outcomes that maintain strong customer working relationships.

• Analytical Thinking-Demonstrated analytical skillset (i.e., invoice discrepancy resolution, complex financial analysis, discounted cash flow, project valuation) and financial statement management.

• Collaborative-Proven ability to garner cross-functional support and make meaningful contributions to a team. Ability to influence, lead projects and effectively collaborate to produce results.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

•  Full time position with core hours from 9am to 3pm CST

•  Office work environment: Remote work available once a week for eligible employees

• Travel 10-15% domestically

• Not eligible for relocation

Benefits and Perks:

SC Johnson’s total compensation packages are at or above industry levels. In addition to salary, total packages may include bonuses, long-term incentives, matching 401(k) contributions and profit sharing based on company profitability, job level and years of service. As a family company, we’re committed to providing benefits such as subsidized health care plans, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, flexible work arrangements, vacation purchase options, recreation and fitness centers, childcare, counseling services and more.

Inclusion & Diversity

We’re a global business, with people from every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. We recognize the breadth of human experience, and we work to celebrate it. It is our goal to build a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment where all people can thrive.

We’re committed to ongoing efforts that help us attract, hire, and retain diverse talent who want to build a positive, inclusive environment. Read more about our ongoing initiatives at https://jobs.scjohnson.com/inclusion.

Better Together

At SC Johnson, we strive to create a positive, inclusive and unique workplace. We strongly believe SCJ people are able to achieve their best when they can collaborate and work together in person.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The policy of the Company is to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in any active or reserve component of the U.S. or state military forces, genetic history or information or any other category protected by law.

Accommodation Requests

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at 262-260-3343 or email your request to SCJHR@scj.com. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Download the EEO is the Law poster for more information.