Melissa Garcia
Backyard Products
Dallas,TX
28
years of professional experience
Senior Accounts Receivable Manager with 25+ years of progressive experience leading Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections, Cash Application, and Deduction Management functions across manufacturing, distribution, and service organizations. Proven success managing high-performing teams, optimizing AR processes, improving cash flow, and reducing aged receivables through strategic collections initiatives and process improvements. Extensive experience partnering with Finance, Accounting, Sales, and Operations to resolve complex customer issues while ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal controls. Proficient in multiple ERP systems, customer portals, and financial reporting with expertise supporting major retail and e-commerce customers.
Work History
Senior AR Manager
8 Months- Lead Accounts Receivable operations across multiple business units, managing collections, cash application, deductions, account reconciliations, aging analysis, and customer account resolution while partnering with cross-functional teams to improve cash flow and reduce outstanding receivables. Manage and mentor the Accounts Receivable team, establishing performance expectations, improving workflows, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment.
- Partner cross-functionally with Finance, Accounting, Sales, and Order Operations to resolve customer account issues, streamline AR processes, and improve operational efficiency.
- Oversee collections strategy and monitor aging reports to reduce outstanding receivables, improve cash flow, and minimize delinquent accounts.
- Serve as the primary escalation point for Big Box Retail customers, including Costco, Walmart, Sam's Club, Target, and e-commerce partners, ensuring timely recovery of invalid deductions and disputed balances.
- Oversee the investigation and resolution of deductions, chargebacks, and short pays by analyzing customer claims, validating supporting documentation, processing accurate adjustments, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to maximize collections.
- Prepare executive-level Accounts Receivable reporting, including AR aging, collections metrics, cash application, deductions, dispute resolution, and customer account status to support financial planning and operational decision-making.
Manager AR Collections & Deductions
1 Year 3 Months- Oversaw collections, billing accuracy, and deduction management for major retail partners.
- Partnered with sales to resolve high-value billing disputes, improving customer satisfaction and reducing aged receivables.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement process improvements that cut unapplied cash from $17.4M to $1.6M.
- Managed invoice submission, payment tracking, and dispute resolution through client platforms such as Coupa, Ariba, Taulia, Tungsten, WAWF and Oracle.
- Served as primary trainer for all new accounts receivable staff, developing onboarding materials and conducting hands-on training in collections and ERP systems.
- Directed a team of 8, promoting a cooperative work culture with regular meetings and transparent communication, in adherence to compliance protocols.
Accounts Receivable Manager
4 Months- Formulated and executed policies for accounts receivable management, including refund, credit memo, and write-off procedures, resulting in improved financial precision and efficiency.
- Generated detailed weekly collections reports to monitor aging accounts, dispute resolutions, and billing resubmissions, aiding in effective team performance and cash flow optimization.
- Administered accounts receivable processes across various regions with proficiency in QuickBooks, guaranteeing uniform management of cash, ACH, and wire transactions.
- Streamlined cash application processes by integrating lockbox and ACH automation, reducing unapplied cash.
- Led successful implementation of new ERP system High Radius, ensuring accurate migration of AR data.
- Directed a team of 10, promoting a cooperative work culture with regular meetings and transparent communication, in adherence to compliance protocols.
Supervisor Collections & Account Services
3 Years 6 Months- Oversaw a team responsible for maintaining compliance with collection regulations, ensuring consistent quality assurance, and sustaining productivity in customer communications.
- Designed and executed effective tracking systems for financial metrics, such as aging reports and dispute resolutions, enhancing workflow management within the collections process.
- Evaluated and strategized solutions for high-risk accounts, delivering tailored recommendations and managing specialized account portfolios to mitigate financial risks.
- Advanced team proficiency and unity by administering monthly performance assessments, annual reviews, and comprehensive training programs for new team members.
- Delivered training for new employees and facilitated cross-training within the Collections & Account Services team to improve overall service delivery.
- Led successful implementation of new ERP system High Radius, ensuring accurate migration of AR data.
Credit Specialist
8 Years 10 Months- Conducted comprehensive credit risk assessments for new and current clients, setting initial credit limits and adjusting existing ones to mitigate financial risk and maintain portfolio health.
- Enhanced Credit & Collections operations by contributing to technical projects aimed at streamlining processes, resulting in improved accuracy and efficiency.
- Facilitated monthly reporting and end-of-period accounting procedures, ensuring the delivery of precise financial data for executive reviews and compliance audits.
- Managed the accurate allocation of incoming payments by assigning account numbers and applying funds to customer accounts within an enterprise resource planning system.
- Conducted thorough research to resolve discrepancies on customer accounts, ensuring timely collection and maintaining account accuracy.
- Administered credit control measures, including the implementation of shipping holds and interest charges, and prepared essential financial documentation such as tax adjustments and delinquency reports.
Supervisor A/R Cash Applications Processor
9 Years 5 Months- Managed the organization's financial transactions, including processing, batching, and depositing incoming cash and checks, ensuring accurate entry into the PeopleSoft Financial System.
- Oversaw the financial aspects of key organizational events and initiatives by handling all incoming donations and event payments, maintaining meticulous records for accountability.
- Reconciled non-sufficient funds (NSF) checks, including those from internal personnel and retail operations, and executed month-end financial procedures, including petty cash reconciliation and journal corrections.
- Managed the accurate entry and reconciliation of various payment forms including NDC, credit cards, ACH, and wire transfers within the PeopleSoft Financial System, ensuring complete and timely journal entries.
- Supervised a team of cash application processors, overseeing the secure preparation of live check deposits and the meticulous auditing of daily financial reports.
Cash Sales Processor
2 Years 3 Months- Accurately maintained and recorded daily cash transactions, ensuring meticulous entry of data into Excel and the timely preparation of month-end financial reports and general ledger journals.
- Managed the preparation of credit card fee journals for Discover and American Express and entered financial data into the PeopleSoft System, upholding stringent accuracy standards.
Education
Associate of Science - Accounting
Skills
ERP Systems: Oracle
PeopleSoft
SAP
AX Dynamics
High Radius
QuickBooks
Restore 365
Sage 100
Netsuite
D365
Portal Experience: Ariba
Coupa
Taulia
Tungsten
WAWF
Oracle
Salesforce
Third Party Collection Management
Tax Software: Avalara & Vertex
Workday
Mitel Inbound Queue Management
JP Morgan Chase Lockbox
CRM Software
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Teams
Accounts Receivable Management
Billing & Invoicing
Cash Applications & Collections
Credit Control & Risk Management
Aging Analysis
Team Leadership & Staff Development
Policy & Procedure Development
Timeline
Senior AR Manager
Backyard Products
12.2025 - CurrentRead More
Manager AR Collections & Deductions
Reddy Ice
07.2024 - 10.2025Read More
Accounts Receivable Manager
ServiceMaster Restoration
08.2023 - 12.2023Read More
Supervisor Collections & Account Services
BSN Sports
01.2020 - 07.2023Read More
Credit Specialist
Boy Scouts of America
10.2010 - 08.2019Read More
Supervisor A/R Cash Applications Processor
Boy Scouts of America
05.2001 - 10.2010Read More
Cash Sales Processor
Boy Scouts of America
02.1999 - 05.2001Read More
University of Phoenix
Associate of Science from Accounting
Read More