About the Collections Specialist Role

Join a well-established construction company in Escondido, California, as a Collections Specialist and become a vital part of their financial operations team. This full-time position focuses on managing accounts receivable for both commercial and residential projects, ensuring optimal cash flow while fostering strong relationships with clients, vendors, and internal project managers. If you're proactive, organized, and thrive in a dynamic environment involving lien waivers, progress billings, and contract-specific payment terms, this role offers the perfect opportunity to leverage your expertise in collections within the construction industry.

Robert Half proudly partners with this reputable firm to source top talent for this critical position. As a Collections Specialist, you'll handle a diverse portfolio of accounts, mitigate payment risks, and contribute directly to the company's financial health. With Escondido's booming construction sector, this role provides stability and growth potential in a region known for its vibrant residential and commercial development.

Key Responsibilities

Core Collections Duties

• Manage a portfolio of active and past-due accounts, prioritizing high-risk balances to minimize days sales outstanding (DSO).
• Conduct proactive follow-ups on unpaid invoices via phone calls, personalized emails, and formal demand notices, escalating as needed.
• Collaborate closely with project managers to stay updated on billing status, change orders, retainage, and reasons for payment delays.

Billing and Compliance Tasks

• Track and process lien releases, preliminary notices, and payment applications to ensure legal compliance and protect company interests.
• Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies, short pays, and disputes efficiently, negotiating resolutions where appropriate.
• Maintain meticulous collection notes, documentation, and audit trails in AR systems for transparency and reporting.

Reporting and Support

• Prepare detailed accounts receivable aging reports, highlighting collection risks and forecasting cash inflows for leadership review.
• Support month-end close processes by reconciling AR balances, verifying receipts, and addressing variances.
• Ensure all activities comply with contractual obligations, state lien laws, and industry regulations in California construction.

Required Qualifications

To excel as our Collections Specialist, you should bring 2-5 years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, or billing within construction, real estate, or related fields. Key qualifications include:

• Proven track record managing construction-specific receivables, including AIA billing forms, retainage, and conditional/unconditional lien waivers.
• Strong knowledge of California preliminary notices, mechanic's liens, and stop notice procedures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for client interactions and internal coordination.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (e.g., Viewpoint, Sage, Procore), Microsoft Excel for reporting, and AR aging tools.
• Organizational prowess to juggle multiple projects and deadlines without missing critical filing windows.
• Analytical mindset for discrepancy resolution and risk assessment.
• High school diploma required; associate's or bachelor's in accounting, finance, or business preferred.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced office setting in Escondido, CA, with hybrid potential based on company policy.

Robert Half candidates with construction industry exposure will be prioritized. SEO keywords: Collections Specialist jobs Escondido CA, AR Specialist construction, lien management careers.

Why Join Us

This opportunity with a longstanding construction leader in Escondido offers more than just a job—it's a career launchpad. Enjoy a competitive salary of $52,000 - $65,000 annually (based on $25/hour, full-time), plus a robust benefits package including medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) with match, generous PTO, and paid holidays. Benefit from ongoing training in construction finance best practices, a collaborative team culture, and paths to senior roles like AR Supervisor or Credit Manager.

Escondido's ideal location—just north of San Diego—provides an excellent work-life balance with access to beaches, mountains, and family-friendly communities. Join Robert Half's network of professionals excelling in finance and accounting roles across Southern California. Apply today to secure your future in construction collections! (Word count: 812)