How To Hire An Accounts Receivable Specialist

An Accounts Receivable (AR) Specialist plays a critical role in managing a company’s cash flow and financial health. Responsible for ensuring that clients pay their invoices on time and that records remain accurate and up to date, AR Specialists support the finance team and contribute to strong customer relationships. Hiring the right Accounts Receivable Specialist ensures your organization gets paid on time, maintains compliance, and operates with financial stability.

Understanding The Role & Responsibilities

Accounts Receivable Specialists manage the lifecycle of customer payments, from invoice creation to payment reconciliation. They also help enforce payment terms and ensure records align with internal controls and audit requirements. Typical responsibilities include:

• Generating and sending invoices to clients.
• Tracking incoming payments and posting them to the appropriate accounts.
• Following up with clients on overdue balances via phone, email, or mail.
• Reconciling accounts and resolving discrepancies with internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintaining detailed records of all transactions, communications, and adjustments.
• Collaborating with sales, customer service, and accounting teams to address billing issues.
• Assisting with monthly closing procedures and preparing financial reports related to receivables.

In some organizations, AR Specialists may also handle credit checks, maintain aging reports, and support audits by providing documentation.

Skills To Look For In A Great Accounts Receivable Specialist

When hiring an Accounts Receivable Specialist, you need someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and confident in communicating with clients about financial matters. Here are the key skills to look for:

Financial & Accounting Knowledge

A solid understanding of accounting principles, especially around receivables, revenue recognition, and cash applications, is essential. Familiarity with terms like DSO (Days Sales Outstanding) and aging reports is a plus.

Attention to Detail

AR Specialists work with high volumes of transactions. Accuracy is critical to avoid costly billing errors, misapplied payments, or reporting inconsistencies.

Communication & Customer Service

The role often involves reaching out to customers regarding unpaid invoices. Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism are key when discussing sensitive financial issues.

Organizational & Time Management Skills

Managing follow-ups, deadlines, and documentation requires an AR Specialist to stay organized and work efficiently, even during busy periods.

Experience With Accounting Software

Look for familiarity with systems like QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or Microsoft Dynamics. Comfort with Excel, ERP systems, and digital invoicing tools is also important.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Disputes or discrepancies may arise, so an ideal candidate can investigate, resolve issues quickly, and propose process improvements when needed.

Other Transferable Titles

Candidates with experience in similar roles may bring transferable skills to an Accounts Receivable Specialist position. Consider those with the following titles:

Billing Specialist

These professionals are well-versed in invoice generation, documentation, and client communication. They often have strong process and compliance skills.

Credit & Collections Specialist

Focused on recovering outstanding balances, these candidates understand how to engage clients professionally and persistently, an asset for managing AR.

Accounting Assistant

If they’ve supported AR functions such as data entry, account reconciliation, or invoice management, Accounting Assistants may be ready to specialize.

Accounts Payable Specialist

While AP and AR differ, professionals who’ve worked in AP and want to grow their accounting skills can transition into AR with training and support.

Customer Service Representative

If they’ve worked in finance-adjacent service roles and understand how to communicate with customers about billing or payments, Customer Service Representatives may thrive in AR.

Interview Questions

Use these questions to assess both technical expertise and soft skills during the interview process:

1. How do you prioritize your follow-ups when managing multiple overdue accounts?
2. Describe a time when you had to resolve a payment dispute with a customer.
3. What accounting software have you used for tracking receivables?
4. How do you ensure accuracy in data entry and financial records?
5. What steps do you take to prepare for month-end close?
6. Tell me about your experience with aging reports or DSO tracking.
7. How do you handle clients who are consistently late in making payments?
8. What process improvements have you implemented in past AR roles?

These questions help you assess a candidate’s ability to handle the day-to-day demands of AR while also thinking critically about how to improve processes and communication.

Evaluating & Making The Final Decision

When narrowing down your choices, focus on candidates who demonstrate:

• A high level of accuracy and integrity in handling financial data.
• Professional communication skills, especially in handling past-due accounts.
• Experience with accounting platforms and reporting tools.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a finance team.

Review their past achievements. Did they reduce aging receivables, improve collection times, or streamline processes? References can confirm their consistency, attention to detail, and reliability under pressure.

Remember: the right Accounts Receivable Specialist doesn’t just manage payments; they support cash flow, maintain client trust, and ensure your financial systems run smoothly.

Partner With Premier

Hiring an Accounts Receivable Specialist can have a direct impact on your company’s financial health. Whether you're looking to improve your collections process or strengthen your finance team, Premier is here to help.

We connect businesses with experienced, detail-oriented AR professionals who understand both the numbers and the human side of financial management. Let us help you find the right hire to keep your revenue flowing and your books balanced. Reach out to Premier today and get started.