Clerk I - AR

SUMMARY

Record payments to customer’s accounts and maintains accounts receivable records by performing the following duties.

ACCOUNTING DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare and distribute bank daily cash reports for lockbox and wire reports.
• Post daily cash receipts in SAP against open accounts receivable customer accounts.
• Release customer billing to accounting on a daily basis and mail invoice to customers, as requested.
• Assist Customer Service and Credit in investigating and clearing customer accounts.
• Periodically review the export customer AR aging to clear unapplied payments against recently posted invoices.
• Research and process customer’s claims for invoice payments.
• Research and process charge backs, returns and bad checks.
• Answer accounts receivable phone inquiries and follow up.
• Communicate with customers as necessary for inquiries or cash application issues.
• Responsible for maintaining compliance with the AR policies and procedures and adhering to company DOA (delegation of authority).
• Comply with all Company policies and procedures.
• Perform the primary thinking encompassed by this job description, and any other job responsibilities or tasks as assigned.
• Any additional responsibilities or tasks as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in high-volume, fast-paced Accounts Receivable environments in which daily performance expectations are assigned and measured. 
• A strong concentration on accuracy, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• The ability to communicate and work effectively with teammates and internal/external customers.
• The ability to effectively prioritize workloads and maintain an organized workspace.
• The enthusiasm to actively exercise and advocate a positive, team-focused environment.
• A willingness to take ownership and responsibility for team objectives.
• The initiative to obtain a sufficient working knowledge of all department procedures and related software applications.
• The knowledge and experience necessary to serve as a primary point of contact for external Westlake company departments.
• The ability to reliably commit to consistent attendance during specified work hours.
• Overtime may be required in accordance with standard accounting cycle deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate's degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school, preferred; or five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• JD Edwards required.
• SAP a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office.  Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc.  May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators.