Credit & Collections Lead
John Brooks
- Mississauga, ON
- $72,000-82,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
Location/ Territory: Mississauga, ONThis role is for an existing vacancy.WHAT DO WE DO?We create solutions for the people who keep our world flowing.For over 80 years, John Brooks Company has been solving fluid handling challenges for customers in various industries/markets across Canada by providing a diverse selection of engineered products and innovative system designs, focusing on customized solutions consisting of filtration, pump, spray, and valve products.THE ROLEJohn Brooks Company Limited is seeking an experienced and energetic credit professional to support and lead the day-to-day operations of the Credit & Collections team. This role will focus on collections of current and older balances, improving internal training and communication, and supervising related team activities.Reporting directly to the Credit & Collections Manager, the successful candidate will coordinate workflow across the team, take ownership of an accounts receivable portfolio as well maintaining quality standards across all billing and receivables functions. The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience with construction credit, a working knowledge of Canadian trade credit law, strong analytical skills, and the ability to provide leadership in a fast-paced industrial distribution environment.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESTeam Leadership and Coordination
- Coordinate daily A/R transactional and collection activities, ensuring workload is balanced and targets are met.
- Act as first point of escalation for billing disputes, collections inquiries, and credit application questions.
- Provide coaching, onboarding, and training support to A/R team members.
- Monitor team KPIs including DSO, aging, call volumes, promise-to-pay rates, and dispute timelines.
- Maintain SOPs and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
- Ensure collection activities are properly documented for follow-up.
- Foster a collaborative, continuous improvement environment.
- Review and process credit applications, including bank and trade references and D&B checks.
- Recommend credit limits, payment terms, and credit hold decisions in line with company policy and approval matrix.
- Apply knowledge of construction credit environments including holdbacks and prompt payment obligations.
- Identify and escalate high-risk accounts, including credit holds and legal referrals.
- Maintain accurate credit files and documentation in ERP systems such as P21.
- Manage a portfolio of accounts, including collection calls, follow-ups, and dispute resolution.
- Support team members with collection strategies for complex or high-value accounts.
- Partner with sales to resolve invoice disputes while maintaining customer relationships.
- Maintain detailed collection notes and account documentation.
- Oversee accuracy and timing of deferred and progress billings, including holdbacks and retention.
- Work with Service, Operations, and Sales to resolve pre-invoice issues.
- Maintain AFDA tracking and support reserve recommendations.
- Oversee cash application to ensure payments are matched accurately.
- Follow up on unapplied cash balances.
- Investigate and resolve short payments, deductions, and discrepancies with customers and internal teams.
- Prepare weekly and monthly A/R aging and collection reports.
- Identify inefficiencies and recommend process improvements.
- Participate in ERP and process improvement initiatives.
- High school diploma required.
- Minimum 4-6 years of progressive experience in credit, collections, or accounts receivable within a B2B or industrial environment.
- Solid understanding of Canadian trade credit practices and credit risk assessment principles.
- Strong working knowledge of the order-to-cash cycle including credit adjudication, billing, collections, and cash application.
- Demonstrated ability to coach, support or mentor A/R team members.
- Proficiency with an ERP system.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with customers, sales reps, and internal leadership.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel (pivot tables, XLOOKUP, SUMIF) and Microsoft Word.
- Demonstrated understanding of A/R collection strategies, credit management, and clear account documentation.
- Experience with Prophet 21 (P21).
- Bilingual in English and French, written and spoken.
- Experience in construction credit, including familiarity with the Ontario Construction Act, statutory holdbacks, and prompt payment provisions.
- Knowledge of provincial lien legislation across Canada including Ontario, Alberta, BC, and Quebec.
- Familiarity with credit bureau tools and online invoicing portals.
- Credit Institute of Canada (CIC) CCP designation or working toward it, or similar qualifications
- Fast-paced environment in a dynamic competitive industry
- Daily customer and inter-departmental/branch communication via telephone calls, faxes, emails, and virtual meetings
- Exposure to deadlines, multiple demands and priorities, multi-tasking, and interruptions
- Competitive remuneration including base salary ($72,000 - $82,000)
- Hybrid work schedule.
- A leadership role within a well-established, growing Canadian industrial distribution company.
- Exposure to a broad, complex customer portfolio spanning municipal, oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing sectors.
- Opportunity to contribute to and shape the modernization of AR operations including ERP optimization
- Competitive vacation
- Paid personal day program
- Generous benefits package that includes coverage for things like medical, dental, paramedical, and vision
- Company Group RRSP with employer matching
- Annual health & wellness subsidy
- The average employee tenure is 9 years
- We enjoy celebrating achievements by means of formal service awards, employee achievement awards, and milestone birthdays
- We regularly host social events and gatherings to foster togetherness and fun