AR Credit Manager

Description

Position Title: Credit Manager

Department: Finance - Accounts Receivable & Credit

Reports to: Assistant Controller

Location: San Clemente, CA

Job Description  

The Credit Manager leads Sonance's global Accounts Receivable, Credit, Collections, Cash Application, and Order-to-Cash operations. This role is responsible for evaluating customer creditworthiness, establishing and enforcing credit and collection policies, and managing the full accounts receivable cycle.  Working closely with the Assistant Controller, CFO, and cross-functional partners in Sales, Operations, and Customer Service, the Credit Manager monitors the aging of accounts, manages the bad debt reserve, and ensures the timely collection of outstanding balances. As the primary point of contact for credit-related decisions, the Credit Manager plays a key role in protecting and strengthening the financial health of the company.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Evaluation & Risk Management

• Evaluate new and existing customers for creditworthiness and approve credit decisions; assign appropriate credit terms and credit limits in accordance with company policy.
• Establish and maintain credit policies, payment terms, and credit limits, ensuring all orders comply with company credit and collection policy.
• Monitor and manage credit exposure across the customer portfolio, including international credit risk and export documentation requirements.

Collections & Accounts Receivable

• Manage the end-to-end collections process, maintaining regular contact with customers and verifying the status of outstanding payments.
• Monitor AR aging, DSO, CEI, bad debt, and overall collection performance, driving corrective action where needed.
• Resolve customer disputes and partner with Sales to accelerate collections and improve cash flow.
• Assign accounts to outside collection agencies as needed, with Assistant Controller approval.
• Work with the Assistant Controller to calculate DSO and manage bad debt and the bad debt reserve.

Cash Application & Reconciliation

• Oversee daily posting of cash receipts; reconcile accounts and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Support month-end close, including reconciliations, write-offs, and related journal activity.

Reporting & Cash Forecasting

• Generate daily and monthly reports for the Assistant Controller and CFO on the status of past-due accounts.
• Forecast cash collections and provide executive-level KPI reporting on AR and credit performance.

Dealer, Distributor & International Programs

• Manage dealer and distributor credit programs, supporting both domestic and international distributors.
• Review distributor inventory and payment trends to inform credit and collection strategy.
• Coordinate the resolution of rebate, deduction, and pricing disputes.
• Partner with Logistics and Supply Chain on order releases and credit holds.

Process, Systems & Compliance

• Ensure internal control compliance across all AR and credit processes.
• Drive ERP, reporting, and process automation improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy.

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and mentor the AR/Credit team, driving results and maintaining accountability across the credit function.

Key Performance Indicators

• Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) • Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI)
• Current AR % • 90+ Day Aging
• Bad Debt % • Cash Forecast Accuracy
• Dispute Resolution Cycle Time

Ideal Team Member

• Hungry, Humble, and Smart – embodies the Sonance team culture
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactically
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a competitive drive to win
• High integrity, trustworthiness, and a commitment to doing the right thing
• Resilient and composed under pressure
• Inspiring leader who motivates others through action & vision

Requirements

Qualifications & Skills

Experience:  

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Business (or a related field).
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Credit/Collections/Accounts Receivable, including credit risk evaluation, DSO management, bad debt management, and AR reconciliation.
• Prior experience leading or developing a team preferred.
• Prior collections experience in the audio electronics or consumer electronics field a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., PeopleSoft, Oracle, EPICOR, SAP, NETSUITE).
• Advanced Excel skills; Power BI and CLAUDE AI experience.
• Solid financial acumen across credit risk evaluation, DSO calculation, bad debt management, and accounts receivable reconciliation.

Core Competencies:

• Communication — Strong verbal and written communication skills; able to maintain professional relationships with customers and internal stakeholders throughout the collections process.
• Leadership — Strong managerial skills with the ability to drive results, maintain accountability, and develop a high-performing team.
• Analytical — Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret AR data, identify trends, and make sound credit decisions.

Sonance is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where innovation thrives through authentic partnerships.