JOHN E. SERRANO
Lakewood, OH **107. T 323-***-****
****.******.*******@*****.***
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven finance professional with over 20 years of comprehensive experience in billing operations and accounts receivable. Proven ability to optimize financial processes, enhance revenue recognition and drive customer satisfaction in both domestic and international environments. Fluent in English, Spanish and Dutch, with exceptional communication and analytical skills.
CORE COMPETENCIES
• Contract Interpretation Analysis: Proficient in analyzing and interpreting subscription and implementation services contracts to ensure compliance and alignment with business objectives.
• Process Improvement: Demonstrated success in identifying inefficiencies and implementing solutions that enhance billing accuracy and speed, leading to improved cash flow.
• Accounts Receivable Management: Expertise in high-volume, multi-currency invoices and collections, with strong focus on international markets.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Effective in partnering with Sales, Legal, and Customer Support teams to resolve issues and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced knowledge of ERP systems (NetSuite, Oracle), Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint), SAP, Oracle and financial reporting tools. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Billing Specialist
BLACKLINE SERVICES INC. Woodland Hills, CA.
April 2021 - Present
• Prepared and processed high-volume, complex SaaS Subscription invoices in accordance with customer contracts, additional terms and billing schedules, generating long-term customer satisfaction and retention.
• Managed SaaS billing processes for over 4,000 customers, including subscription, usage-based billings, implementation services and portal user changes as part of daily responsibilities.
• Managed and updated customer billing accounts with accuracy and timeliness, resulting in an increase in invoice receipt validations and payments.
• Point of contact for handling complex billing inquiries, resolving discrepancies with customers and ensuring a prompt and effective dispute resolution.
• Used ERP system knowledge to identify areas to improve the efficiency and accuracy of Time and Materials services invoices, resulting in a more cohesive and streamlined process.
• Partnered with the collections team on invoice rebills, purchase order updates and payment-related issues.
• Supported internal and external audits through company controls and documentation, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Created SOP manuals for all assigned billing processes and cross-trained members of the Billing team.
• Supervised and managed the daily submission of electronic invoices for over 700 customers via AP portals (Ariba, Coupa, Taulia, Tungsten, Oracle, Fieldglass, Tradex, etc) resulting in the direct collection of roughly 25% of the company’s receivables.
• Built out the company AP portal submission roadmap, reducing the timeframe for invoice submissions by 67%. Accounts Receivable Specialist (Contract)
BLACKLINE SERVICES INC. Woodland Hills, CA.
May 2020 – March 2021
• Actively researched, reconciled and resolved customer payment discrepancies (e.g., aging accounts, deductions) and identified areas for AR process improvement.
• Managed high-volume, multi-currency customer invoices and AR collections, with a focus on international clients.
• Performed complex account reconciliations and assisted in the month-end closing processes.
• Collaborated with Sales, Legal and Customer Support teams to resolve billing disputes, ensuring high customer satisfaction while adhering to strict financial compliance regulations.
• Utilized ERP systems, strongly favoring NetSuite and Zuora, to generate financial reports and manage customer records, resulting in a high AR cash collections rate. Senior Staff Accountant (Contract)
DECURION CORPORATION. Los Angeles, CA.
January 2020 – April 2020
• Conducted bank reconciliations and assisted in month-end closing activities.
• Processed daily payroll entries and other weekly journal entries.
• Cleared on daily basis all GL cash concentration accounts.
• Managed daily cash applications and processed payrolls entries, ensuring accuracy in financial reporting. Accounts Receivable Specialist (EMEA)
CURVATURE LLC. Lijnden, The Netherlands / CURVATURE INC, Santa Barbara, California, US. November 2013 – October 2019
• Processed and provided aging report overview of all outstanding AR items to management.
• Processed AR/TAX/FREIGHT/EX CURRENCY adjustments before month end closing.
• Reviewed and released credit holds and tax holds, in accordance with customers’ credit limits and payment terms.
• Assisted and supported other departments with matters related to tax, billing, shipping and returns.
• Prepared and maintained customer’s monthly reconciliation schedules, resolving all billing discrepancies.
• Managed and applied all payments to customers’ accounts with the help of Oracle and SAP systems. Administrative Assistant
HOUTTUIN B.V/ COLFAX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
January 2012 – September 2013
• Prepared month-end general ledgers, closed journal entries and supported account reconciliation.
• Reviewed, processed and paid employees expense claims reports.
• Prepared and processed the correct release of shipping documents and export compliance holds. Accounts Receivable
URBAN TRENDS TRADING B.V. Utrecht, The Netherlands February 2009 – December 2011
• Responsible for cash collection and all customers’ service queries.
• Reviewed and monitored customers’ credit limits and payment terms in accordance with company policy.
• Performed daily bookkeeping and billing tasks.
• Efficiently managed vendor forms and updated customer’s data.
• Processed customer refunds for approval and product replacements. EDUCATION
UNAB, Universidad Autonoma de Bucarmanga,
Colombia 1998- 2001. Faculty of Law.
RECOGNITION
• Awarded Blackline “Q4 2025 Employee Award”
• Awarded Blackline “Q1 2022 Employee Award"