Collections Specialist II (Hybrid)

At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60 retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We are currently seeking a Collections Specialist II to join our team. In this role, you will initiate calls and/or correspondence with customers to inquire on outstanding A/R balances. The position also requires monitoring and maintaining assigned accounts via customer outreach, account adjustments, small balance write-offs and customer reconciliations. Applicants should possess sharp analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience with SAP is a plus.

A day on the job looks like this:

• Establishing and maintaining effective, cooperative relationships with internal and external customers and key stakeholders
• Tracking and resolving outstanding payment issues promptly
• Managing the internal email desk (“Myrtle Palmer”)
• Reconciling customer disputes related to outstanding balances   
• Initiating customer contact regarding overdue A/R balances
• Monitoring and maintaining assigned accounts through calls, adjustments, write-offs and reconciliations
• Serving as an escalation point for other team members to help resolve customer issues

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for:

• 4+ years of experience in a collections department, preferably in a customer service–focused role
• Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong customer-service skills; must be adept at navigating unique and complex customer resolutions
• Ability to define problems, gather and analyze data and draw valid conclusions
• Sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities
• SAP experience a plus
• Fast learner with a strong desire to help others
• Exceptional administrative and organizational skills
• Sound judgment and resourcefulness in problem solving
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Ability to solve rare or complex issues using established procedures and sound judgment

And here’s our end of the bargain!

At Lakeshore, we pay local market wages for employees that reside within Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

For this position, new employees joining Lakeshore who live within Los Angeles and Orange Counties are typically brought into the organization at an hourly rate between $20.19 - $26 depending on relevant experience & skillset.

This range is indicative of projected hiring range. The annual base compensation will take into account each candidate's relevant experience, location, and skillset.

• Bonus eligible
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Excellent medical/dental and vision coverage—EPO, PPO and HSA
• 401(k) retirement plan with company contribution (because you will retire someday)
• Flexible benefits—choose what you like, ignore the rest
• On-site preschool for our employees’ children
• On-site employee gym for all levels/fitness needs
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose.

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy.

Lakeshore is an E-Verify employer. We use E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Please see the E-Verify Participation Poster and Know Your Rights Poster in English and Spanish for more information. INDRLL1