Debra Cross
Van Buren Township
Summary
Experienced Accounts Receivable Specialist professional bringing 30 years of experience.
Strong ability to communicate and negotiate, ensuring timely payments and maintaining positive client relationships.
Prepared to drive results through effective debt recovery strategies.
Skilled in data analysis, problem-solving, and maintaining accurate records. Known for reliability and achieving financial targets. Exemplary skill in resolving billing disputes, providing excellent customer service. Recognized for effective leadership with consistent achievement of objectives.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
A/R Collection Specialist
Virginia Tile Company
Plymouth, MI
01.2019 - 01.2026
- Oversaw aging of 5000 accounts to optimize cash flow. Achieved consistent average days sales outstanding of 28 days.
- Facilitated collection of overdue invoices by establishing clear communication channels with clients through phone, email, text, and mail.
- Developed and maintained relationships with clients to facilitate payment processes.
- Implemented collection strategies that improved cash flow and reduced delinquency rates.
- Analyzed customer accounts to identify discrepancies and resolved billing issues efficiently.
- Oversaw evaluation of credit applications, utilizing trade references and credit reports to make strategic credit decisions. Assessed accounts for potential credit increases to support business growth.
- Reviewed and verified customer lien waivers to safeguard legal and financial interests.
- Developed comprehensive posting request reports to facilitate account cleanup and ensure data reliability.
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
TUFF SHED
Livonia, MI
07.2017 - 01.2019
- Streamlined preparation of daily installer paperwork using Home Depot and JDE software.
- Schedule customer warranty and follow up to confirm work completed.
- Update computer system daily with status of warranties.
- Contact warranty customers to confirm work completed to their satisfaction.
- Work with Sales staff to ensure Home Depot display sheds are repaired as needed.
- Make 2 week advance and day of calls to remind customers of installations.
- Contact retail customers the day after installation to collect balance due.
- Answer phones and direct calls.
- Mail out customer paperwork, keys, tags as needed.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
GENERAL LINEN & UNIFORM SERVICE
Detroit, MI
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Training new employees – i.e.: Accounts Receivable, Office personnel, Human resources.
- Creating new company forms and documents.
- Oversee Accounts Receivable and collect on any hard to collect accounts
- Create documentation for breach of contract and final demand letters.
- Sending accounts to attorney for breach of contract, follow up on progress.
- Complete Gain/loss documentation on status of company for the week.
- Provided weekly commission documentation.
- Make travel plans for all of upper management.
- Purchase office equipment and supplies as needed.
- Research unused aspects of current software.
- Update database with current customer information.
- Work with management on marketing.
- Updating social media on company – i.e. Adopting families during Christmas etc...
- Maintain Online Store.
- Worked with Human Resources on ways to improve company morale i.e. Ice cream during the summer, Donuts during the fall, Cookout during the Summer.
- Create and edit company newsletter.
SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTOR
PREMIER ATHLETICS MICHIGAN XTREME
Plymouth, MI
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Initiated and expanded Special Needs programs
- Directed marketing coordination
- Directed and coordinated fundraising activities
- Managed individual athlete’s accounts
- Coordinated customer service
- Organize and scheduled athletes’ home and travel events including on-stage performances
- Responsible for job performance of two staff assistants and Five junior coaches
- Coached special needs athletes in cheerleading and tumbling skills
- Accommodated special needs for athletes
- Insured availability of proper gym equipment
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CREDIT AND COLLECTIONS
GENERAL LINEN & UNIFORM SERVICE
Detroit, MI
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Collected past due account balances
- Reconciled customer accounts
- Posted cash, credit cards, EFT’s
- Initiated and processed credit requests
- Processed direct sale purchases
- Set up customer payment schedules
- Managed account file
- Developed, and communicated weekly Executive Staff reports
- Compiled monthly customer reports
- Communicated as liaison between customers and corporate attorneys
Education
High School Diploma -
Willow Run Adult Education
YpsilantiSkills
- Management of receivables
- Certified notary public
- Risk evaluation skills
- Continuous learning mindset
- Credit management
- Payment plan development
- Collection strategy planning
- Organization skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong negotiation skills
- Fair debt collections practices
- Dispute resolution
- Negotiation and resolution
Timeline
A/R Collection Specialist
Virginia Tile Company
01.2019 - 01.2026
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
TUFF SHED
07.2017 - 01.2019
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
GENERAL LINEN & UNIFORM SERVICE
01.2015 - 01.2017
SPECIAL NEEDS DIRECTOR
PREMIER ATHLETICS MICHIGAN XTREME
01.2010 - 01.2016
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE CREDIT AND COLLECTIONS
GENERAL LINEN & UNIFORM SERVICE
01.2008 - 01.2013
High School Diploma -
Willow Run Adult Education