Job Description
Bigelow Tea is the number one specialty tea company in the United States. We are a family-owned and operated business and a Certified B Corporation. Being a certified B Corp officially recognizes a commitment that has been part of the company’s DNA since it was founded 80 years ago. Our purpose has always been about much more than making profits. We are committed to good citizenship, ethical business practices, accountability, transparency, protecting the environment, sustainability and supporting our communities. We pride ourselves in caring about each and every one of our employees. We have a long-term outlook and are constantly working to create an environment that inspires people to make positive contributions every day. Bigelow is currently looking for a select, talented individual, that shares our values, to join our growing team. Summary The Accounts Receivable (AR) Manager is responsible for overseeing the organization’s credit and collections activities, ensuring timely collection of receivables, payment application, and effective management of trade deductions. This role manages a team of AR staff and serves as the primary point of contact for credit risk evaluation, customer payment issues, deduction resolution, and internal communication with Sales, Customer Service, and Finance. The AR Manager ensures effective policies, controls, and procedures are in place to safeguard receivables and support the company’s financial objectives.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities Include The Following Credit & Risk Management
- Assess credit risk for all trade activity; establish and monitor customer credit limits.
- Maintain credit history files and relationships with credit reporting agencies (e.g., D&B, F&D).
- Manage special credit situations, including export sales and credit insurance coverage.
- Monitor payment trends and advise management of significant changes in customer behavior.
- Maintain and manage the Reserve for Doubtful Accounts.
Collections, Trade Deductions & Cash Application
- Ensure timely collection of receivables through proactive management of AR aging.
- Oversee the end-to-end trade deduction process, including research, validation, reconciliation, and resolution of customer claims.
- Manage staff responsible for cash application and deduction resolution.
- Review Short Payment Reports weekly; analyze deductions and prepare reports for Sales, Trade, and Supply Chain teams.
- Lead monthly short-payment review meetings with the Corporate Controller and Sales.
- Approve write-offs and repayment requests.
Operational Oversight & Team Leadership
- Manage and direct the work of staff, ensuring cash application and deductions are recorded accurately and in a timely manner.
- Ensure all receivable transactions are recorded in the company ledger.
- Lead, coach, and develop AR staff to improve performance and efficiency.
- Drive process improvements by auditing AR methods and procedures, leveraging IT systems and automation.
Audit & Reporting
- Assist with month-end and year-end close activities and support internal/external audits.
- Provide accurate and timely reporting on AR aging, collection performance, trade deduction trends and credit exposures.
Collaboration and Communication
- Communicate credit and deduction issues with Sales Managers, Customer Service, and management to ensure alignment; ensure that credit holds are properly handled.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with customer AP teams to facilitate prompt resolution of issues.
Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field (Strongly preferred).
- Minimum of 6–10 years of progressive experience in credit, collections, or accounts receivable management, including 2-3 years of direct experience in trade deductions management.
- Proven leadership and supervisory experience with full responsibility for personnel decisions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret financial data.
- Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience with ERP/financial systems.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a high-volume environment.
- Effective communicator with proven ability to work across functions and at all organizational levels.
Competencies
- Leadership and team development
- Strong decision-making and negotiation skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to meet deadlines under pressure
- Customer service orientation
- Solid knowledge of accounting principles and AR processes
Bigelow Tea is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bigelow Tea does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.
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