Credit & Collections Analyst - Military veterans preferred

Join our Growing Team and see why Summit Utilities, Inc was named as one of the Fastest Growing Denver Area Private Companies 2019 and 2020; Best Places to Work in Maine 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and Best Places to Work in Arkansas 2020 and 2023, Oklahoma 2022 and 2023 and Missouri 2023. Summit was also recently named one of Forbes 2023 America’s Best Small Employers.

Summit is a growing natural gas utility company providing safe, reliable and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri and Oklahoma. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence, diversity and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Credit and Collections Analyst. This hybrid role will be based in Fort Smith, Arkansas. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Credit & Collections Analyst plays a critical role in managing high-value customer accounts, overseeing bankruptcy cases, and conducting data-driven analysis of accounts receivable (AR) aging trends to identify and resolve anomalies. This role requires expertise in all credit and collections functions while adding a higher-level analytical and problem-solving component to drive improvements.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated, independent thinker with strong communication skills who can confidently engage with leaders across the organization. This individual will work closely with internal teams, including Operations, Finance, and Customer Experience, to ensure accounts are properly managed and compliance is maintained.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position includes all responsibilities of the Credit & Collections Specialist, in addition to the following higher-level functions:

Key Accounts & High-Dollar Collections

• Manage and monitor key, high-dollar customer accounts to ensure timely payments and issue resolution.
• Oversee bankruptcy case processing to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Analyze and manage outstanding receivables for high-risk accounts to prevent revenue loss.
• Manage collective billing accounts, ensuring accuracy, timely processing, and proactive issue resolution.

Data Analysis & Process Improvement

• Monitor AR aging reports to identify anomalies, trends, and potential risks, providing actionable insights.
• Develop reports and dashboards to track collection efforts, payment behaviors, and credit risk.
• Analyze customer payment trends and work with leadership to improve credit and collection strategies.
• Identify inefficiencies in collections processes and recommend improvements to optimize recoveries.

Operational Collaboration & Compliance

• Work with Operations teams to ensure disconnections are processed efficiently and accurately.
• Review service orders that are not being disconnected and troubleshoot issues with field teams.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulations, and industry standards related to collections, credit assessment, and customer service.

Specialist-Level Responsibilities (Core Collections & Credit Functions)

• Provide excellent customer service by handling inbound and outbound calls related to billing, payments, and delinquent accounts.
• Evaluate credit history, collect deposits if applicable, and manage customer creditworthiness assessments.
• Process disconnect notices for delinquent accounts and facilitate collection alternatives.
• Investigate and resolve identity theft claims and process bankruptcy notices accurately.
• Collaborate with outside collections agencies and legal teams as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred) OR equivalent work experience.
• 2+ years of experience in credit & collections, accounts receivable, or financial analysis.
• Experience with high-dollar accounts and bankruptcy case management is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in a regulated utility industry or financial services is a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and drive strategic improvements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, reporting) and SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Self-motivated and independent problem solver with the ability to take initiative.
• Ability to confidently engage with leadership across departments to resolve complex account issues.
• Strong knowledge of collections regulations, bankruptcy processes, and financial reporting.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for customer interactions and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to maintain professionalism in high-stress situations, including handling escalated customer concerns.
• Detail-oriented with strong time management and organizational skills.

Summit offers competitive pay and medical/dental/vision and other benefits that provide flexibility, choice and support to our employees when they need it most. We understand that home and family are essential pieces of your life, and our benefits are designed to support you both at work and at home. 

Summit Utilities, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.