Credit Director

Req ID:  31136
Date:  May 23, 2024
Location: 

Springfield, IL, US, 62702

Company:  Sonepar
Brand:  Springfield Electric

At Springfield Electric, we take great pride in our associates’ passion, knowledge and experience. As a company with local roots and global reach, we thrive on the diversity of our associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success. Whether you’re just starting your career or have built up your expertise over the years, we trust our people’s skills and give them the tools they need to reach their full potential.

Since 1929, Springfield Electric has focused on providing value to each customer throughout the electrical supply chain. The company has strategically expanded to include distribution centers throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, to better serve all customers locally and internationally. Today, Springfield Electric strives to continue the legacy of delivering exceptional customer service and value to the markets we serve.

As a part of Sonepar, a worldwide leader in electrical distribution, we have a global reach that allows us to offer excellent benefits and develop innovative solutions, while maintaining our strong local roots and close-knit culture. 

 

 

Position Title

Director, Credit

Classification

Regular, Full-Time

FLSA Status

Exempt

Reports To    

VP, Finance

Supervises

Credit Manager, Credit Analysts, Credit Specialists

 

Primary Function

The Director, Credit is responsible for guiding and directing the activities of the Operating Company’s (OpCo) credit and collections department. In addition to day-to-day accountability for the function, the Director, Credit will be an influencer in the evolution of the credit and collections department as it adapts to the continued growth of the OpCo.

 

Essential Functions

Task

 

  • Direct all aspects of the OpCo’s credit function aimed at achieving superior A/R aging and DSO measurements.
  • Perform short- and long-range strategic planning and priority setting for credit and collections department.
  • Coordinate efforts between OpCo credit and collections team and supporting teams at shared services center.
  • Build a culture of servant leadership, customer centricity, efficiency, and transparency.
  • Deploy standard work and written process documentation across all positions in the department.
  • Through hands-on effort, ensure that credit and collections team provide effective and timely support to sales organization, finance team, and customers.
  • Negotiate the resolution of collection matters with customers, engaging 3rd party collection agencies and legal counsel as necessary.
  • Continuously develop people, processes, and system improvements to position department to evolve as OpCo growth continues.
     
  • Supervisory responsibility of the credit department, including but not limited to planning and coordinating the selection, training, evaluation, and assignment of department personnel to facilitate productive and efficient use of department resources. Recommend changes to department staffing based on changing needs.
  • Serve as the Company expert in the application of credit and collection laws and regulations. Advise branch and corporate management on actions needed to limit credit risk and make prudent credit decisions.
  • Produce and discuss monthly accounts receivable status reports with credit committee.
  • Produce and review monthly reports of customers with balances in excess of $50,000.
  • Monitor the reserve for doubtful accounts using the accounts receivable aging reports and makes recommendations for changes.
  • Cooperate with accounting department in periodic state sales tax audits.
  • Assist in the preparation of monthly financial reports in collaboration with the Vice-President of Finance and Controller. These reports include sales reports, commission reports, and operating reports by business unit.
  • Improve and develop processes to identify, resolve, and mitigate customer account delinquencies.
  • Work with Finance to forecast bad debt projections and potential customer defaults.
  • Leverage systematic processes with use of software or using internal IT resources to improve collection efforts.
  • Develop and improve performance metrics that can be used to evaluate performance of collections staff.
  • Preparation of customer litigation documentation, make court appearances, and evaluate and recommend legal settlements.

 

Other Responsibilities

  • Other duties and projects as assigned.

 

Necessary Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field or equivalent professional experience.
  • 10 or more years’ experience with customer receivables, collections, and credit evaluation.
  • Proven experience managing a team with in-person and remote members.
  • Demonstrated success with process improvement and optimization.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in written and verbal formats.
  • Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, including an ability to plan and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan and schedule the work of others.
    Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, including the ability to
    plan and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Ability to work well in a team environment with demonstrated interpersonal skills.
  • Commitment to and demonstration of high ethical standards in carrying out duties of
    the job.
  • Proven attentiveness to detail coupled with problem analysis and resolution skills.
  • Strong customer service orientation.
  • Strong proficiency with IT systems including but not limited to Eclipse ERP and Microsoft 365 Suite.

 

Desirable Qualifications

  • Master’s degree, CPA, CMA, or other comparable certification.

 

Physical Ability Requirements

  • Ability to sit for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to travel occasionally as required.
  • Ability to utilize a computer keyboard, computer monitor, adding machine, and telephone for prolonged periods of time.
  • Ability to climb stairs daily and to occasionally climb a ladder and step stool.
  • Ability to lift, carry, and otherwise transport work-related materials that frequently weigh up to 40 lbs. and that may occasionally weigh in excess of 40 lbs.

 

 

Why work for Springfield Electric?

At Springfield Electric, we take great pride in being Powered by Difference. As a company with local roots and global reach, we thrive on the diversity of our associates and the different ways each of us contributes to our success. Whether you’re just starting your career or have built up your expertise over the years, we can provide opportunities to expand your industry experience and help take our business to another level.  

Our Competitive Benefits?

401K Plan, Competitive Medical Plans (medical, dental, and vision), Paid Vacation, Paid Sick, Paid Personal, Paid Holidays, Flexible Spending Accounts (Health and Dependent Care), Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Life Insurance and a Definitive Career Path.

About Springfield Electric

Since 1929, Springfield Electric has focused on providing value to each customer throughout the electrical supply chain. The company has strategically expanded to include distribution centers throughout the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, to better serve all customers locally and internationally. Today, Springfield Electric strives to continue the legacy of delivering exceptional customer service and value to the markets we serve. As a part of Sonepar, a worldwide leader in electrical distribution, we have a global reach that allows us to offer excellent benefits and develop innovative solutions, while maintaining our strong local roots and close-knit culture. 

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 
Sonepar is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, order of protection status, protected veteran or military status, or an unfavorable discharge from military service, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law. 

Sonepar and our family of brands are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with our commitment, we will take the steps to assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the position, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please call 843-745-2420 or email recruiting@sonepar-us.com.
 
EEO is the Law 
Applicants and employees are protected under Federal law from discrimination. To learn more, Click here
 
Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision 
Sonepar follows Executive Order 11246, including the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision. To learn more, Click here


Nearest Major Market: Springfield