Accounts Receivable Credit Risk

Connie O'Hern

Navarre, FL *****, US • *******@***.***

205-***-**** • linkedin.com/in/connie-o-hern-419460252/

Accounts Receivable, Collection, and Credit Specialist

Dynamic and results-driven professional, offering comprehensive experience in managing commercial accounts, reducing bad debt, and optimizing cash flow. Solid history of success in credit risk mitigation, account reconciliation, and collection strategies with a strong focus on resolving discrepancies and improving Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). Proven ability to develop customized payment solutions, monitor credit limits, and control collections as per company goals. Highly skilled in collaborating cross-functionally to build relationships for ensuring client satisfaction and driving financial performance. Possesses expertise in credit risk assessment, accounts receivable and collections management.

Areas of Expertise

Accounts Receivable Management Credit Risk Assessment Collections Strategy Development Cash Application & Reconciliation

Billing & Invoicing Dispute Resolution Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) Reduction Bad Debt Minimization Creditworthiness Evaluation

Customer Relationship Management Payment Solutions Development Risk Mitigation Strategies Financial Reporting & Analysis

Cross-functional Collaboration Compliance & Regulatory Adherence Process Improvement & Optimization Excellent Communication

Career Experience

REN, Inc, Indianapolis, IN 2022 to 2024

Revenue Accountant/Billing Analyst

As a Revenue Accountant, I offered clear guidance on fees and payment terms, addressed client inquiries, resolved billing and payment discrepancies, and ensured the accurate application of payments. I managed billing and collection issues with a focus on reducing bad debt, decreasing days sales outstanding (DSO), and optimizing cash flow.

As a Billing Analyst, I developed and maintained customized billing procedures to ensure accurate invoices. I kept precise account records, enhancing transparency and contributing to a seamless client experience.

Key Contributions:

Enhanced collection processes and resolved billing discrepancies by collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Ensured timely billing of administrative fees, while adhering to established procedures to calculate and invoice correct amounts to clients.

Ensured timely payments reduced bad debt and decreased DSO by proactively following up on outstanding collections and engaging with clients to meet payment terms.

Career Break, Loganville, Georgia 2007 to 2021

During my career gap, I dedicated my time to caring for my father and raising 2 daughters. This period allowed me to develop essential skills such as time management, organization, and problem-solving, as I balanced caregiving responsibilities with the demands of parenthood. I also enhanced my ability to adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and manage multiple priorities all of which are transferable to a professional environment.

Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Norcross, Georgia 2003 to 2007

Lead Credit Specialist

In this position, I managed a portfolio of fleet and dealer accounts, ensuring precise and timely accounts receivable management, leading to a reduction in bad debt and decreased Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). I upheld financial integrity by conducting annual reviews, monitoring credit limits, and assessing payment patterns to approve pending orders. For new clients, I evaluated creditworthiness and set suitable credit limits through comprehensive reviews of financial statements and credit references. This meticulous process guaranteed responsible credit management and bolstered the company's financial stability.

Key Contributions:

Secured over $2M in collections from existing dealers and fleets, reducing bad debt.

Achieved aged balance targets by providing tailored payment solutions that lowered outstanding balances.

Streamlined revenue and achieved a credit balance in DSO by cultivating strong professional relationships with dealers and fleets.

Decreased Days Sales Outstanding and improved cash flow by managing client portfolios, maintaining accurate account information, while reconciling payments, following up on outstanding balances and collaborating daily with accounting and customer service teams to solve discrepancies.

Expanded customer base by collaborating with the sales team to drive growth while ensuring client financial integrity.

Played a key and integral role as active member of the National Association of Credit Management.

McKesson Pharmaceuticals Duluth, Georgia 1987 to 2002

Credit Specialist and Accounts Receivable Specialist Lead

As an Accounts Receivable specialist, I executed high-volume, accurate cash applications for timely processing and financial accuracy. Resolved discrepancies by reconciling customer accounts, processing credit memos, resolving chargebacks and providing proof of deliveries for improving account accuracy and reducing delays.

As a Credit Specialist I maintained accurate and organized customer account information by creating, updating and managing records. Achieved aged balance targets by managing a portfolio of pharmacy and hospital client accounts, ensuring receivables were in compliance with payment terms through the proactive implementation of tailored payment solutions. Collaborated with internal departments to resolve billing disputes and communicated effectively with stakeholders to ensure alignment..

Key Contributions:

Improved McKesson’s cash flow reduced bad debt, and decreased DSO by developing a streamlined payment method for hospital clients, enabling them to pay department balances with one check.

Promoted and successfully sold the payment method to hospital clients alongside the southeast area credit manager, leading to its adoption in McKesson's national contract.

Ensured timely resolution of billing discrepancies and secured a 2% discount for hospital clients by implementing the new payment method.

Enhanced cash flow reduced bad debt and decreased DSO for pharmacy clients through collaboration with internal departments and by communicating effectively with stakeholders while fostering trust.

Additional Experience

CC Distributors Inc. (Gov't COCESS Contract), Eglin AFB, Florida Branch Manager, 2021 to 2022

Noble Supply & Logistics (Gov't COCESS Contract), Eglin, AFB, Florida Inventory Purchasing Coordinator, 2021

Education

Associate of Science: Business Administration American Intercontinental University (AIU), Online

Technical Proficiencies

AS400, SAP, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, NetSuite, Bill.com, Stripe, Coupa, Salesforce, and Outlook

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