Lead Accounts Receivable Specialist

Lead Accounts Receivable Specialist

Department: Accounting

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Compensation: $80,000 - $90,000 / year

The Lead Accounts Receivable Specialist is responsible for owning and executing the full accounts receivable lifecycle, with a primary focus on accurate AIA/progress billing, retainage tracking, collections, and lien compliance. This role serves as the senior subject-matter expert for construction AR, partnering closely with Project Managers, Project Accountants, Operations, and leadership to stabilize receivables, improve cash flow, and reduce aging balances across assigned entities.

• Lead proactive collections efforts to reduce aging balances and improve cash flow.
• Monitor and analyze AR aging reports to identify risks and priority accounts.
• Develop and execute collection action plans in coordination with leadership and project teams.
• Provide AR forecasts, aging analysis, and insights to the Controller.
• Own the end-to-end accounts receivable lifecycle, including AIA/progress billings, retainage tracking, and collections.
• Prepare, review, and submit invoices and pay applications in accordance with contract terms, job cost data, approved work-in-progress, and customer requirements.
• Partner with Project Managers and Project Accountants to ensure billing aligns with project progress, approved change orders, and contractual milestones.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex billing issues, disputed invoices, short pays, and delayed payments.
• Manage lien waivers, preliminary notices, and compliance documentation to support timely payment release.
• Ensure lien releases are executed upon payment and maintained in accordance with contract and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain records to support audits and compliance reviews.
• Apply customer payments accurately and resolve unapplied cash and discrepancies.
• Reconcile AR subledger to the general ledger and support month-end close activities.
• Assist with audit and reporting requests related to accounts receivable.
• Serve as the lead AR subject-matter expert, providing guidance and mentorship to AR staff.
• Establish, document, and improve AR policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Support ERP and reporting optimization initiatives related to construction billing and receivables.
• Collaborate with Project Management, Operations, Sales, and Accounting leadership to resolve AR issues.
• Communicate professionally with customers regarding billing, payment status, and issue resolution.

• 7+ years of progressive accounts receivable experience, with a minimum of 4–5 years in construction, utilities, or project-based environments.
• Demonstrated expertise in AIA/progress billing, retainage tracking, change order billing, and construction collections.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex AR portfolios and resolve disputed invoices, short pays, and delayed payments.
• Strong working knowledge of lien waivers, preliminary notices, and construction billing compliance requirements.
• Experience partnering directly with Project Managers and Operations to drive billing accuracy and cash recovery.
• Advanced proficiency in ERP/accounting systems such as Sage Intacct or Quick Books, with strong Excel analytical skills.
• Experience supporting AR across multiple projects or entities preferred.
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• Construction-focused AR expertise
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to lead through influence without direct authority
• Clear, confident communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Process improvement and continuous improvement mindset

Disclaimer:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be amended as business needs evolve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status.