Job Summary
This hybrid role for a Specialist in Accounts Receivable focuses on managing end to end Order to Cash activities including collections cash application and dispute management for a global client base in a night shift environment. The candidate will use strong MS Excel expertise and deep knowledge of finance and accounting to enhance working capital reduce past due trends support accurate financial reporting and uphold robust compliance across all receivables processes.
Responsibilities
- Manage end to end accounts receivable activities by monitoring customer balances validating billing details and ensuring timely posting of incoming payments to maintain accurate financial records and healthy cash flow
- Perform proactive collection activities by contacting customers through calls and email negotiating payment commitments and documenting outcomes to minimize overdue receivables and improve days sales outstanding
- Coordinate closely with customer service and sales teams by clarifying billing issues validating pricing or discount disputes and aligning on resolutions that support customer satisfaction and revenue protection
- Investigate unapplied and misapplied cash items by reconciling remittance details bank statements and customer communications to ensure accurate allocation of incoming funds
- Prepare and update detailed aging reports using advanced MS Excel functions by applying pivots lookup formulas and conditional logic to support data driven analysis of delinquency trends
- Analyze recurring payment issues by identifying root causes such as incorrect master data or process gaps and recommending corrective actions that reduce rework and process exceptions
- Perform period end closing activities for accounts receivable by reconciling subledger balances validating transaction completeness and supporting finance teams with accurate reporting inputs
- Monitor key performance indicators such as collection effectiveness bad debt exposure and dispute resolution cycle time by compiling operational metrics and highlighting improvement opportunities for stakeholders
- Ensure adherence to internal control standards and company policies by following documented procedures maintaining robust documentation and supporting internal and external audit requirements
- Collaborate with global stakeholders in a night shift hybrid work model by participating in virtual discussions sharing status updates and aligning priorities with cross functional teams for assigned portfolios
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Order to Cash process by suggesting automation opportunities standardizing templates and adopting best practices that enhance efficiency and control
- Guide junior team members informally by sharing process knowledge explaining complex customer scenarios and offering practical tips on using MS Excel for reconciliations and reporting
- Contribute to the company purpose by improving cash realization enabling reinvestment in strategic initiatives and supporting financial stability that benefits employees customers and the broader community
Qualifications
- Demonstrate solid practical experience in accounts receivable operations by handling billing validations cash application and collections within an integrated finance and accounting environment
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of Order to Cash processes by connecting order entry invoicing credit checks and dispute handling to ensure consistent and reliable revenue recognition outcomes
- Use advanced MS Excel skills by working with complex spreadsheets lookup functions pivot tables and error checking techniques to manage large transaction volumes and reconcile account variances
- Exhibit strong finance and accounting fundamentals by understanding double entry concepts balance sheet and profit and loss impact and the relationship between receivables and overall working capital
- Bring prior exposure of at least three years in collections activities by managing customer portfolios negotiating payment schedules and resolving delinquencies in line with company policies
- Demonstrate familiarity with enterprise resource planning or finance tools by navigating receivables modules generating standard reports and updating customer accounts with minimal supervision
- Communicate clearly with internal and external stakeholders by explaining account statuses clarifying invoice details and documenting agreements in a concise and professional manner
- Adapt effectively to hybrid work arrangements and night shift expectations by managing time maintaining productivity and staying responsive to customer and stakeholder needs across time zones
- Exhibit a continuous learning mindset by staying informed about process updates adopting new tools and seeking feedback to strengthen domain expertise in finance and accounting
Certifications Required
Any one of the following is preferred Certified Accounts Receivable Specialist Certificate in MS Excel or recognized Finance and Accounting qualification
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.
