Credit Manager

On-site (100%) | Greater Chicago area, IL | Reports to: Director of Accounting | Compensation: $100,000 annually

THE ROLE

The Credit Manager leads the credit and collections function, protecting the company's financial health while supporting responsible revenue growth. Reporting to the Director of Accounting, this person owns credit recommendations for new and existing distributor accounts, drives collections and recovery, and keeps a disciplined set of controls around accounts receivable.

Day to day, the role partners closely with Customer Service, Sales, and Operations to resolve account issues and keep orders moving, and it carries responsibility for accurate reconciliations, sales and use tax compliance, and reliable operational reporting. Success looks like sound credit judgment, clean records, strong customer account management, and a collections process that keeps risk low as the business grows.

WHAT YOU'LL OWN

Credit and Collections

• Make credit recommendations for new customer accounts, including large distributor limits that can reach the million-dollar range.

• Review customer accounts for adherence to terms, and review the daily order hold report, releasing shipments when appropriate.

• Monitor distributor credit trends and bring any potential risk to the Director of Accounting early.

• Partner with Customer Service to find workable payment solutions and resolve account disputes.

• Keep credit files current and accurate.

Financial Controls and Reconciliation

• Reconcile the AR subsidiary records and depository bank accounts to the GL on time, and clear reconciling items promptly.

• Compute sales returns and allowances reserve requirements quarterly, assess whether the provision is adequate, and propose adjustments where it is not.

• Oversee timely, accurate completion of Sales and Use Tax returns, and facilitate related audits.

• Uphold the corporate Finance and Control Manual, in particular the sections on Debtors and Revenue Recognition.

Team and Cross-Functional Work

• Train and supervise the finance and payroll generalist.

• Work across Sales, Operations, Finance, and Customer Service to resolve account discrepancies and keep workflow moving between teams.

• Maintain up-to-date work instructions and procedures for the major credit and collections responsibilities.

Operational Backup

• Serve as backup for key operational functions, including finished goods pricing within the ERP, monthly distributor scorecard reporting, and accrual support for the Distributor Rebate Program.

• Provide coverage for daily and weekly operational reporting on orders, shipments, and backlog, keeping it accurate and escalating any issues or trends that need attention.

• Take on other duties as assigned.

THE BACKGROUND WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The strongest fit comes from a finished goods or product distribution environment. This is credit and collections for products moving through distributors, not parts, logistics, or financial services.

• Finished goods focus: experience managing credit for finished goods sold through a distributor network.

• Commercial or industrial products: a background in commercial or industrial equipment is a strong plus (foodservice, appliances, and similar product lines translate well).

• Distributor scale: comfort managing large distributor relationships and sizeable credit limits.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Solid credit and collections experience, with the judgment to make sound credit decisions independently.

• Supervisory experience.

• Working knowledge of credit and bankruptcy law, enough to spot and address the risks that come up.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent experience.

• Seven years of accounting experience with at least five in credit and collections.

• Experience with QAD ERP.

FINANCIAL CONTROL AND ETHICS

• Carry out the financial control and risk management responsibilities that come with the role.

• Ensure adherence to the corporate Finance and Control Manual, specifically the sections on Debtors and Revenue Recognition, and others as appropriate.

• Act in line with the company code of ethics at all times.

WORK MODEL AND REQUIREMENTS

• On-site: this is a 100% on-site role at the company's corporate headquarters.

• Travel: occasional travel as needed.

• Physical: able to sit for extended periods and lift up to 15 lbs.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

This role sits with an established, stable manufacturer of commercial equipment, part of a larger global group with a portfolio of well-known brands. It is a business with a strong reputation and a culture that leans on internal growth and long tenure, within an independent, well-run finance team where good work is recognized and people build real careers.