Collections/ Account Clerk

Position: Collections/Account Clerk

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt

Location: McCormick Place Lakeside Center

2301 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive E1002

Chicago, Illinois 60616

Job Summary

The UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute (UHCHI) is a partnership between UNITE HERE Local 1 and its contributing hotel and food service employers in Chicago. UHCHI is a labor-management/Taft-Hartley Fund serving and providing training benefits to employees and prospective employees in the hospitality and food service industries. UHCHI is designed to improve Chicago tourism and hospitality industry by increasing the skill level of its workforce and moving workers up the career ladder. The hospitality industry is one of the largest growing sectors, with a projected growth rate higher than all other jobs in the region

and the nation, over the next three years.

The Collections/Account Clerk is responsible for monitoring customer accounts to ensure timely payment of outstanding invoices. This role involves communicating with customers, resolving billing issues, and maintaining accurate records to reduce delinquent accounts and improve cash flow.

Key Responsibilities

• • Monitor accounts receivable and identify overdue balances
  • Contact customers via phone, email, or written correspondence regarding past-due accounts
  • Negotiate payment arrangements and follow up on promised payments
  • Investigate and resolve billing discrepancies and disputes
  • Apply payments, adjustments, and credits accurately in the accounting system
  • Maintain detailed records of collection activities and customer communications
  • Prepare aging reports and assist with month-end reconciliation
  • Escalate unresolved accounts to management or external collection agencies when necessary
  • Comply with company policies and applicable collection laws and regulations
• Assist with account reconciliations and reporting
• Support contract renewals, pricing updates, and account changes
• Contribute to process improvements and customer satisfaction initiatives
• Reconcile cash accounts monthly.
• Assist the Executive Director with budget modifications for contractors and for the Board of Trustees

Qualifications

• • Associate’s degree in accounting or finance
  • 3-5 years of experience in collections or accounts receivable
  • Basic knowledge of accounting principles
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook)
  • Experience with accounting or ERP software preferred

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong communications and negotiation skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to handle sensitive situations professionally
• Time management and organizational skills
• Customer service mindset

SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Excellent communication skills are required, both verbal and written, along with being detail oriented. Must have the ability to multi-task, quickly think on your feet, and completely operate independently. Knowledge of MS Excel and MIP accounting software, Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and OMB cost principles guidelines. Strong interest in business and finance related subjects.

• • Strong communication and negotiation skills
  • Attention to detail and accuracy
  • Ability to handle sensitive situations professionally
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Customer service mindset
  • Bilingual: Spanish a plus

UHCHI offers competitive salary and benefits, including health, dental and pensions.

Bilingual: Spanish a plus