Customer Account Specialist - Southern FS, Inc. - Marion, IL

The FS brand represents a standard of excellence for agricultural and energy-related products. It's the people who represent the FS brand that set it apart. As local cooperatives, FS Companies believe it is their responsibility to ensure that our earth, our communities, and businesses perform together, sustainably.FS Companies are committed to ensuring the continued profitability for the company, their owners, and their customers, while enacting to help the environment and greater good.

Salary Range: $16-$20.00

Job Title: Customer Account Specialist
Location: Marion Corporate Office
Reports To: Credit Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented individual to serve as our Customer Account Specialist. This position is central to managing customer accounts, overseeing invoicing and payment processing, handling credit screening, and maintaining detailed records. The ideal candidate is proficient with digital systems, comfortable with financial processing, and excels in customer communication.

Key Responsibilities:

Account & Credit Management:

• Open and manage new credit and cash accounts (consumer and commercial).
• Run credit reports for new accounts using the Credit Screener tool.
• Make collection calls to accounts large and small
• Support legal collections with appropriate documentation gathering and submission to legal counsel.
• Coordinate with management for high-dollar farm account approval.
• Maintain account classifications, tags, and CRM documentation.
• Handle propane/fuel-specific tagging and coordinate with the service team.
• Attach and organize necessary forms including tax exempt forms, credit apps, etc.

Invoicing & Payments:

• Process payments via platforms such as CFA/Agrifinance, CoBank, and Heartland.
• Post invoices, apply credits, and handle invoice reconciliation.
• Prepare invoicing adjustments for specific programs (e.g., LP tank programs, feeder billing).
• Create and manage monthly billing for various third-party and institutional accounts.
• Track and process ACH and check payments from vendors and institutions.

Reporting & Record Keeping:

• Run weekly and monthly reports (Fleet Reports, Sales Reports).
• Sort, match, and file statements manually with corresponding fleet documentation.
• Maintain spreadsheets for specific programs (e.g., 5-year LP tank billing).
• Perform account reconciliations, write-offs, and collections processing.
• Submit write-off reports for board approval and document actions in AgVance.

Customer Communication & Support:

• Notify customers of account approvals or denials with appropriate documentation.
• Provide timely and professional follow-up regarding outstanding balances.
• Communicate with vendors, drivers, and internal teams as needed for account updates or payment actions.

System & Software Use:

• Proficient use of AgVance, Credit Screener, CFA, CoBank portal, Heartland, Fast Stop portal, and internal CRM tools.
• Use of scanning software and file systems to manage account documents.
• Email communication via Outlook with saved contacts for routine reporting.
• All other duties assigned.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in accounting, credit/collections, or customer service.
• High attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Comfortable using business software platforms and web portals.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple responsibilities with varying deadlines.
• Familiarity with financial terminology, account management, and credit screening preferred.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8 AM start (occasional extended hours based on monthly reporting needs).

Benefits:

• We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

We are dedicated to supporting the long-term financial well-being of our employees through a fully funded pension, a cornerstone benefit that ensures security for the future. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with a variety of supplemental plans like accident, critical illness, disability, hospital indemnity, and identity theft protection. To promote a healthy work-life balance, employees enjoy generous paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays, giving you time to recharge and focus on what matters most. Additionally, our 401(k) plan with company matching helps you plan for retirement, while our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports your overall well-being. Whether you're starting your career, balancing family life, or planning for retirement, our company is committed to providing employees with a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that meets your needs at every stage. Benefits eligibility may vary depending on the position.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. In addition to base pay, certain roles may be eligible for bonuses, incentives, and commissions.

We are an equal opportunity employer, including protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. Employment may be contingent upon receipt of an acceptable and job-related background check, drug test, motor vehicle report, and/or reference check, as applicable and permissible by law.