Terry Johnson
Kitchener,Canada
Summary
Dynamic Accounts Receivable Professional with 25+ years of experience and a proven track record, excelling in assessing credit worthiness, credit analysis, collections and negotiation. Skilled in enhancing cash flow management and fostering strong internal and external relationships. Adept at utilizing Microsoft applications to streamline reporting processes, driving efficiency and accuracy in financial operations. Passionate about achieving results and exceeding expectations.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Accounting Technician
Liftsafe Engineering and Service Group
02.2023 - Current
- Successfully manage accounts receivable processing invoices and payments.
- Developed comprehensive reports on accounts receivable aging, aiding in strategic decision-making for cash flow management.
- Reduce outstanding account balances through diligent follow-up on overdue invoices and negotiating payment arrangements with customers.
- Responsible for a portfolio of delinquent accounts that require contacting for payment.
- Recommend account balances that should be written off and placed with 3rd party collection agencies.
- Consistently achieve monthly collection targets set by manager.
- Utilize advanced spreadsheet functions such as pivot tables, Vlookup formulas or data manipulation for collection tracking.
- Manage invoicing processes to ensure timely billing and collections.
- Decide account approval or denial by assessing company and institution credit using various assessment methods.
- Collaborate with sales and customer service teams to address customer disputes, resulting in prompt resolution and maintained relationships.
- Set credit limits for new and existing accounts.
- Mentor junior staff on best practices to be successful in customer collections.
- Assist with month & year end closing activities including journal entries, account reconciliations and accrual entries
- Assist in successful external audit process, preparing necessary documents and facilitating auditor inquiries.
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
IDEX Corporation
08.2021 - 02.2023
- Provided training to new employees on Accounts Receivable policies and procedures.
- Worked closely with internal departments including Sales, Accounting & Shipping/Receiving to ensure that all relevant information was available when needed.
- Led monthly meetings with Accounts Receivables team members to discuss & set goals, objectives, and progress towards targets.
- Supervised accounts receivable team, ensuring timely processing of invoices and collections
- Implemented effective collection strategies for delinquent customers while maintaining positive relationships with clients.
- Managed daily accounts receivable processes and ensured timely collections of payments from customers.
- Identified process improvements within the department that could increase efficiency or reduce expenses.
- Supervised a team of 3 Accounts Receivables staff members in the performance of their duties.
- Researched customer credit history prior to extending credit terms.
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Bunzl Canada
11.2019 - 08.2021
- Collaborated with other departments and teams within the organization concerning Accounts Receivable matters.
- Researched discrepancies between invoices and payments received, identifying potential errors or issues for resolution.
- Communicated regularly with customers regarding payment status, inquiries, disputes.
- Maintained effective relationships with customers by providing prompt response to inquiries and resolving any issues that may arise.
- Achieved monthly collection targets.
- Developed and maintained relationships with key customers to facilitate prompt payment cycles.
- Reduced outstanding accounts receivable balances by diligently following up on overdue payments.
- Enhanced cash flow by ensuring timely invoicing, payment application, and account reconciliation.
Accounting Technician
Colt Canada
03.2017 - 03.2019
- Managed multiple tasks under tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy.
- Assisted with year-end closing activities including journal entries, account reconciliations, accruals and variance analysis.
- Successfully managed accounts receivable and payable, including processing invoices and payments.
- Performed reconciliations to ensure accuracy of data in accounting system.
- Utilized advanced spreadsheet functions such as pivot tables, Vlookup formulas and macros for data manipulation.
- Enhanced vendor relationships by managing accounts payable efficiently, negotiating favorable terms when possible, and ensuring timely payments.
- Reduced overdue accounts receivables, implementing proactive follow-up process with clients.
Accounts Receivable Analyst
Transx Group of Companies
11.2016 - 03.2017
- Negotiated payment arrangements with customers when needed to facilitate prompt payment of outstanding balances.
- Analyzed customer creditworthiness by evaluating financial data such as balance sheets and income statements.
- Created and maintained accurate accounts receivable records using various software applications.
- Provided excellent customer service when responding to inquiries from customers regarding billing issues or other concerns.
Credit and Collections Analyst
Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc. / Ontario Food Services Inc.
04.2013 - 10.2016
- Enforced company policies related to overdue payments through phone calls or letters while maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Reviewed aging reports on a regular basis in order to identify potential problem accounts.
- Worked closely with Sales team members in order resolve invoice discrepancies quickly.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints promptly in order to maintain goodwill.
- Conducted detailed reviews of delinquent accounts to determine appropriate collection strategies.
- Analyzed financial statements, tax returns, credit reports and other documents to evaluate customer creditworthiness.
- Reviewed customer files to identify and select delinquent accounts for collection.
Credit Manager
Graybar Canada
06.2010 - 09.2012
- Maintained accurate records of all customer transactions using database software.
- Utilized data analysis techniques to uncover patterns in customer behavior that could be used to optimize credit management processes.
- Negotiated payment plans with customers in order to collect overdue payments.
- Monitored customer credit lines, collections and account balances to comply with credit limits and payment terms.
- Reviewed aging report to monitor accounts receivables and initiate collection activities on accounts with past due balances.
- Evaluated customer applications for new lines of credit and determined approval decisions accordingly.
- Evaluated complex customer profiles using financial statements, credit reports, and industry data to make informed lending decisions.
- Extended credit to customers within designated limit of authority, approving credit inquiries.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints regarding billing discrepancies or other issues related to their account balance.
Collections Specialist
Credit Bureau Collections/ Christensen Law Firm
02.2009 - 06.2010
- Achieved monthly collection targets.
- Negotiated re-payment plans by identifying causes of delinquent payments to assist in recovery of debt and meet realistic timeframes.
- Collaborated with legal teams to prepare documentation for litigation on high-value accounts.
- Maintained high volume of calls and met demands of busy and productive group.
- Counseled debtors on payment options and arranged installment agreements.
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
Transfreight Logistics Inc
01.2008 - 02.2009
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
Safety Kleen Systems Inc.
07.2003 - 09.2007
Education
Certification - Early Childhood Education
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
ONSecondary School - Business Skills Development
Paris District High School
ONSkills
- Management of receivables
- Effective time management
- Accurate payment reconciliation
- Invoice generation
- Results-driven
- Analytical problem-solving
- Credit assessment management
- Data analysis and reporting
- Effective team collaboration
- Analytical decision-making
- Cash flow analysis and management
- Accounting ledger administration
- Expertise in collections management
- Leadership skills training
- Effective payment negotiation skills
Roles And Responsibilities
- Seasoned professional with 25 years of Accounts Receivable/Collections/Finance and Accounting.
- Experience with both Consumer and Corporate collections.
- Supervisory experience 5+ years / AR team up to 10 direct reports.
- Ability to prepare a variety reports such as Aged Trial Balance, Outstanding Payments Due, DSO, along with creating various adhoc reports as requested for Customers, Managers and Senior Executive teams of various departments including Sales, Finance and Accounting.
- Practiced in working with International, North American, and Domestic businesses.
- Experience within a variety of industries, including Oil, Hi Tech, Transportation, Manufacturing, Service, Construction, Food, and Third Party Consumer and Commercial Collections.
- Solid customer service, time management, prioritization and organizational skills, complimented with a proactive approach to problem solving.
- Have worked with several high profile customer accounts such as Pfizer, ATS, AstraZeneca, Walmart, Warren Oil, Home Hardware, Aramark Food Services, Good Year, Maple Leaf Foods, Canadian Tire, along with Provincial Government accounts, Canadian, US & Asian, European & South American Government accounts.
- Understanding of Construction lien process.
- Capable to work under pressure and meeting tight deadlines.
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft applications including Excel, Word, and Teams.
- Solid problem solving and analytical abilities accompanied with strong decision making experience.
- Excellent communication abilities with strong interpersonal skills.
- Proven leadership/management skills and experience with the ability to motivate and mentor others.
- Strong team member as well as independent worker.
- Lifelong learner; able to learn new skills quickly and retain information.
- Able to interact professionally with executives, customers, colleagues and staff.
- Results driven and detail oriented.
- Excellent understanding of companies with multiple lines of business.
Timeline
Accounting Technician
Liftsafe Engineering and Service Group
02.2023 - Current
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
IDEX Corporation
08.2021 - 02.2023
Accounts Receivable Specialist
Bunzl Canada
11.2019 - 08.2021
Accounting Technician
Colt Canada
03.2017 - 03.2019
Accounts Receivable Analyst
Transx Group of Companies
11.2016 - 03.2017
Credit and Collections Analyst
Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc. / Ontario Food Services Inc.
04.2013 - 10.2016
Credit Manager
Graybar Canada
06.2010 - 09.2012
Collections Specialist
Credit Bureau Collections/ Christensen Law Firm
02.2009 - 06.2010
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
Transfreight Logistics Inc
01.2008 - 02.2009
Accounts Receivable Supervisor
Safety Kleen Systems Inc.
07.2003 - 09.2007
Secondary School - Business Skills Development
Paris District High School
Certification - Early Childhood Education
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning