What’s the role 

The Account Receivables and Collections Lead is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end account's receivable function, including accurate billing, effective collections, managing bad debt levels, and ensuring strong cashflow performance. This role leads an AR team of approximately five fulltime staff, optimizes processes, and partners cross functionally with Finance, Sales, Operations, and Customer Support to resolve issues, strengthen controls, and deliver an excellent customer experience. 

Accountabilities: 

Accounts Receivable Operations  

• Oversee the full AR lifecycle, including cash application, collections and reconciliation 

• Monitor AR aging and drive proactive collection efforts to minimize DSO and delinquency rates. Develop and implement strategies for improving accounts receivable processes and reducing the days sales outstanding (DSO) 

• Manage cash posting activities and ensure timely resolution of unapplied or misapplied payments 

• Manage payment reconciliations and exceptions related to utility-consolidated rate-ready and bill-ready customers  

• Oversee the reconciliation of customer accounts and resolution of discrepancies 

• Analyze aging reports and identify trends or issues affecting collections and cash flow 

Team Leadership & Performance Management  

• Lead, train, and mentor the Accounts Receivable team to achieve organizational goals 

• Set departmental KPIs (e.g., DSO, collection effectiveness) and track performance against targets. Implement action plans to achieve collection goals 

• Prepare and present regular reports on accounts receivable and collections performance to senior management 

• Conduct regular performance reviews and support ongoing development of the AR staff 

• The role requires self-motivated, dedicated, and responsible individuals with the ability to perform well under pressure  

Process Improvement & Controls  

• Implement and maintain strong internal controls to ensure compliance with accounting standards and company policies 

• Utilize data to drive decision-making and process improvements 

• Identify opportunities to streamline AR processes, automate workflows, and improve overall efficiency 

• Maintain up-to-date SOPs and operational documentation  

Cross-Functional Collaboration  

• Manage a team of 5 direct reports and several contract staff  

• Partner with Sales and Operations to ensure billing accuracy and resolution of billing discrepancies 

• Collaborate with customer support to address customer issues impacting payment 

• Work with the Finance team on month-end close to support accurate and timely booking of accounts receivable and collections reserve balances, cash forecasting, revenue recognition alignment, and audit support 

Customer Relationship & Issue Resolution  

• Serve as an escalation point for complex customer issues or payment issues and ensure resolution in a timely manner 

• Negotiate payment arrangements and settlements with customers while maintaining positive relationships 

• Communicate effectively with customers to address payment concerns and provide account updates 

• Maintain a customer centric approach, professional and courteous interactions to foster long-term customer relationships while protecting company financial interests 

Reporting & Analytics  

• Prepare and analyze AR aging reports, cash collection forecasts, and performance dashboards for leadership 

• Provide insights into trends, risks, and opportunities impacting accounts receivable 

• Support budgeting and cashflow projections with accurate AR data 

What you bring  

• Must have legal authorization to work in the US on a full-time basis for anyone other than current employer 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field 

• At least 5 years of experience in Accounts Receivable and collections management preferably in the retail electric or utility industry 

• Strong understanding of accounting principles, collections techniques, and credit risk management 

• Familiarity with retail energy EDI transactions, including 810, 814, 820, and 867 

• Proficiency with billing software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to manage and resolve conflicts effectively 

• Proven leadership and team management experience 

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills 

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships 

• Self-motivated with the desire to consistently improve performance and gain further knowledge  

• Experience in the utility or retail electric industry is preferred 

What we offer 

The base salary range for this position is $115,000 - $173,000 per year.  As   pay will be based on various factors, such as relevant work experience, education, certifications, skill level, seniority, and internal equity.  

For regular full-time or regular part-time employees of the Company (participating companies as listed in the Summary Plan Description), insurance coverage options include medical, dental, vision coverage, life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs. Employees also participate in a company pension plan and a 401(k) plan. Paid leave includes up to 6 weeks of paid vacation time, up to 11 paid holidays, and parental leave offering 16 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents, and 8 weeks of paid leave for non-birthing parents. 

Additionally, employees are eligible for short-term disability leave for up to 26 weeks at 100% or 50% of base pay as well as Long-Term Disability insurance. Shell also offers other compensation such financial reimbursement for adoption, wellness, education, and personal learning expenses, and some roles are eligible for discretionary long-term incentives.  For interns, eligible benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, and Occupational Accidental Death Benefit programs; participation in a 401(k) plan; and paid leave for up to 11 paid holidays.  Additional information on Shell’s US benefit programs can be found at https://www.shell.us/careers/about-careers-at-shell/rewards-and-benefits.html. 

You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You’ll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself. 

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together 

• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead 

• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices 

• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise 

• Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself 

• Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working 

• Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance related salary increase – our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world. 

• Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents 

• Join an organization working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply 

• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams 

• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programs 

We'd like you to know that Shell has a bold goal: to become one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive companies. You can get to know more about how we're working towards that goal, click here.