Collections Specialist

Does the thought of preparing kids to solve the world’s greatest problems excite and empower you? Do you want to be with an organization where your knowledge and skills will help increase school engagement and student success, and extend our global reach? Do you want to be on a team that crafts opportunities and provides life changing experiences for students?

These opportunities are as strong and dynamic as ever, as FIRST^® creates the people who will change the world – today and tomorrow!

What We Offer
We promise a fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding environment where you will be part of a team that cares about each other and thrives on each other’s successes. You’ll feel good about the future of the world after doing hard work with the talented people at FIRST^® and will have a front row seat to our life changing programs.

Our extensive benefits package is highly competitive and includes:

• Healthcare Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life & AD&D Insurance 
• Supplemental life insurance
• Voluntary accident and legal plans
• Income Protection Insurances (STD & LTD)
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Hybrid Work Model
• 160 PTO hours for FT employees 
• 14 paid holidays per calendar year (one is a floating holiday)
  • Paid July 4th Week Holiday Closure 
• 40 hours paid sick leave per calendar year
• One paid volunteer day per anniversary year
• Maternity and Parental Leave
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan (with employer match)
• Medical and dependent pre-tax flex plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The salary range for this position is $50,838 - $56,544. New hires typically start within this range based on their qualifications, experience, and considerations of internal equity.

Who You Are
You are an experienced Collections Specialist who demonstrates Gracious Professionalism® in your relationships with colleagues, customers, donors, and partners. You are detail oriented, and results driven with a proven ability to manage accounts receivable and ensure timely collections. You excel at resolving billing issues, reconciling accounts with accuracy, and leveraging Accounting and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems such as NetSuite and Salesforce.

This role has the ability to be a remote working arrangement for the right candidate.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

What You Will Do
Monitor and manage the accounts receivable portfolio to ensure timely collection of outstanding balances. Additionally, you will: 

• Communicate professionally and effectively with school district contacts, donors, and partners regarding account balances, payment status, and financial documentation.
• Research and resolve discrepancies, billing issues, and unapplied payments in collaboration with internal teams.
• Maintain accurate records of collection activities and payment commitments in NetSuite and Salesforce.
• Generate aging reports, track KPIs, and escalate delinquent accounts as appropriate.
• Reconcile customer accounts and support month-end closing procedures.
• Collaborate with the finance team on process improvements and compliance with internal controls.

What We Expect
We are seeking candidates with the following knowledge, skills, and experience:

• HS diploma or GED and generally 3 years of directly related experience
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (including VLOOKUPs and Pivot Tables), Outlook, and the Microsoft 365 suite.
• Proficient in ERP/CRM systems (NetSuite and Salesforce preferred).
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Exceptional collaboration skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with school district procurement and financial policies is highly preferred.
• Flexibility to travel 5 - 10%.

Commitment to FIRST® Core Values

Discovery: We explore new skills and ideas.
Innovation: We use creativity and persistence to solve problems.
Impact:  We apply what we learn to improve our world.
Inclusion: We respect each other and embrace our differences.
Teamwork: We are stronger when we work together.
Fun: We enjoy and celebrate what we do!

Thriving on our core values, celebrating the uniqueness of our employees and committed to inclusion. Proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

By submitting my application, I certify that the information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any false statements or omissions may result in disqualification from employment or, if employed, termination.

I acknowledge that FIRST may conduct a comprehensive background check as part of the hiring process. This may include, but is not limited to, verification of my employment history, education, professional credentials, employment references, and a review of prior involvement with FIRST in an employment or volunteer capacity.

I further acknowledge that if I receive a conditional offer of employment, my employment status remains contingent upon the results of a criminal records check, and that the findings may affect my eligibility for employment. Additionally, for certain positions where job responsibilities warrant it, FIRST may conduct a credit check as part of the background screening process, in compliance with applicable laws.

FIRST takes your privacy seriously, and we are dedicated to protecting the confidentiality of your personal data. If you apply for a position at FIRST, we will collect, process, and store your personal data, such as your name, contact information, and application materials, to comply with our regulatory and legal obligations. FIRST will retain employment records, including employment applications, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.