Cash Apps & AR Specialist (Greater Chicago Area)

This is a Hybrid position that must be located in the general greater Chicago area.

The Cash Applications & Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of high‑volume, multi‑currency customer payments, maintaining up‑to‑date and reconciled AR statements, and executing proactive collections activities. This role plays a critical part in optimizing cash flow, minimizing aged receivables, and supporting month‑end closing activities.

Responsibilities:

Cash Applications (High Transaction Volume & Multi‑Currency)

• Accurately apply daily customer payments including ACH, wire transfers, checks, credit card payments, lockbox deposits, and third‑party remittances
• Reconcile multi‑currency receipts and ensure correct FX handling within the ERP system
• Research and resolve unapplied cash, short pays, chargebacks, and payment discrepancies
• Collaborate with customer service, sales, and billing teams to ensure remittance details are accurate and complete
• Maintain clean and up‑to‑date customer account records

Accounts Receivable Statements & Reconciliation

• Prepare and distribute customer AR statements on a regular schedule or upon request
• Perform account reconciliations to ensure accuracy of customer balances and aging
• Investigate and resolve account variances, credits, misapplied payments, and disputed charges
• Support month-end close by providing AR schedules, reconciliations, and variance explanations

Accounts Receivable Collections

• Manage a collections portfolio and executes timely customer outreach via email, phone, and customer portals
• Monitor aging reports and prioritize accounts to minimize past due balances
• Document all customer interactions and maintain organized collection notes
• Escalate high-risk accounts and collaborate with sales or management to resolve disputes or payment delays
• Recommend accounts for credit hold or write-off based on established policies

Requirements:

• College degree is preferred
• 2-5 years of experience in cash applications, AR, or similar finance/accounting roles
• Strong understanding of multi-currency transactions and reconciliation processes
• High attention to detail and accuracy in high-volume environments
• Proficiency with ERP systems
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, pivot tables, data validation)
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Experience working with customer payment portals and lockboxes preferred
• Familiarity with credit & collections best practices preferred
• Knowledge of cash flow processes and internal controls preferred
• Position is hybrid and requires days each week in the Morton Grove, IL office

Key Competencies:

• Detail-oriented with strong analytical skills
• Problem-solving mindset
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong customer relationship skills
• Team-oriented and collaboration skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced transactional environment.

Compensation: This is an Hourly position: Hourly Range $28 to $32 per hour, depending upon education and experience.

The perks of being a Bunzl team member don't stop at being part of a great team or being valued as our #1 asset. We offer a full range of benefits to help our employees take care of themselves and their families today, tomorrow and for the future.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Benefits effective the 1st day of the month after 30 days
• Paid Time Off - Vacation, Sick, Holidays and Personal Time
• 401K with generous company match
• Additional benefit information can be found on the Bunzl Careers home page under Benefits and Perks.

Bunzl is a global leader in the Cleaning & Hygiene, Food Processing, Grocery, Health Care, Non‑Food Retail, and Safety industries. We have grown both organically and through acquisitions to exceed $10 billion in sales. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Bunzl North America operates more than 100 warehouses and serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean and Mexico. With more than 10,000 team members and over 400,000 supplies, Bunzl is recognized as a leading supplier across North America-and proudly certified as a Great Place to Work. At Bunzl, you'll find Unlimited Potential… your career, our future.

Bunzl Distribution offers competitive salaries, a comfortable work environment, and a full range of benefits including a 401k with a company match.

Bunzl Distribution has a tradition of commitment to equal employment opportunity. It is the established policy to attract and retain the best qualified people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex/gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status as provided by law.