Anybody here in Accounts Receivable?

Shawn Smith Collective

A business associate wants to discuss an employment opportunity with me...he wants me to leave my company and head up his accounts receivable dept. As an Accounts Receivable Manager at this company, I'd make around 100k, so I'm DEFINITELY going for the (casual and friendly) interview!

Can anyone with acct rec management experience give me some insight into the job? I've gotten some answers from the Dept of Labor and from Googling, but any firsthand info would be appreciated. Thanks!

Jearlpam0925

I used to work in AR right out of college...Terrible...You're probably gonna make a lot because you're gonna work long hours and deal with a high stress environment.

jimed14

what's the company? (or industry)

can make a huge difference, are you going to be tracking down thousands of late payments that are low in value for not so well off individuals ... somehow, that would drive me nuts.

Who would you be reporting to? An A/R manager can be pure collections, or could be part of cash mgmt/financial strategy ... depends on what they are looking for.

How many folks would be working for you?

I *always* ask the question, "why did the last person leave this role" .... gives good insight into what's going on in the department.

Shawn Smith Collective

jimed14 wrote:

what's the company? (or industry)

can make a huge difference, are you going to be tracking down thousands of late payments that are low in value for not so well off individuals ... somehow, that would drive me nuts.

Who would you be reporting to? An A/R manager can be pure collections, or could be part of cash mgmt/financial strategy ... depends on what they are looking for.

How many folks would be working for you?

I *always* ask the question, "why did the last person leave this role" .... gives good insight into what's going on in the department.

It's a film post-production company that also offers other film related services. It's all business to business...the clients are broadcast and cable networks, record labels, PR firms, etc. I'd spend more time doing general bookkeeping as opposed to "collections," which would be handled by those under me. I know I'll have to step in if the reps aren't getting anywhere after a call or 2 though.

Don't know yet how many people would be working under me or even have a full grasp of the environment and responsibilities...the interview is Friday...I guess I just wanted to get some ideas from different aspects of A/R...just to know something going in. Your "why did the last person leave..." is a good question to ask.


Jearlpam - in this case, the hours aren't bad, though I don't know yet about the stress, lol.

Jearlpam0925

Shawn Smith Collective wrote:

Jearlpam - in this case, the hours aren't bad, though I don't know yet about the stress, lol.

Yeah, man - all that job did was demand more and more hours from me.... It was probably the worst job I ever had.

PJSerf

Shawn Smith Collective wrote:

It's a film post-production company that also offers other film related services. It's all business to business...the clients are broadcast and cable networks, record labels, PR firms, etc. I'd spend more time doing general bookkeeping as opposed to "collections," which would be handled by those under me. I know I'll have to step in if the reps aren't getting anywhere after a call or 2 though.

Don't know yet how many people would be working under me or even have a full grasp of the environment and responsibilities...the interview is Friday...I guess I just wanted to get some ideas from different aspects of A/R...just to know something going in. Your "why did the last person leave..." is a good question to ask.


Jearlpam - in this case, the hours aren't bad, though I don't know yet about the stress, lol.

Are you strictly going to be balance sheet based... or will there be revenue decisions involved?

I work for a major financial firm, and A/R is part of my position, the boring part. However, I am exposed to some interesting tasks on the revenue side.

jimed14

PJSerf wrote:

Are you strictly going to be balance sheet based... or will there be revenue decisions involved?

I work for a major financial firm, and A/R is part of my position, the boring part. However, I am exposed to some interesting tasks on the revenue side.

this is where my question was driving at ... makes a big difference on both the enjoyability of your job and the resume building.

Shawn Smith Collective

pjserf and jimed14: I'll find out Friday...but it's helpful that you noted these two things so I can discern what the job will be like. Can you give me some insight into "interesting tasks" vs "boring tasks?"

I really appreciate all your help!

petrocs

dont do it...it'll suck the life out of you

Jearlpam0925

petrocs wrote:

dont do it...it'll suck the life out of you

+1

Shawn Smith Collective

petrocs wrote:

dont do it...it'll suck the life out of you

And here I thought the owner of the company was a friend, lol.
Be interesting to see what the job entails...truthfully, I'm excited about my getting my foot in the door at this particular company in the hopes I can become more involved with some of their more creative departments.

Jearlpam0925 wrote:

+1

Haha!

Jearlpam0925

Shawn Smith Collective wrote:

And here I thought the owner of the company was a friend, lol.
Be interesting to see what the job entails...truthfully, I'm excited about my getting my foot in the door at this particular company in the hopes I can become more involved with some of their more creative departments.



Haha!

I'd do it just for that friggin salary! Even though it's going to be misery.

Shawn Smith Collective

Jearlpam0925 wrote:

I'd do it just for that friggin salary! Even though it's going to be misery.

Yeah that's a fuckin serious payday. I make a comfortable living right now, but not even close to that as a base. Plus, the economy is destroying my current industry and I could be out a job by year's end, which makes this offer even more palatable!