AR/Credit Lead

Basic Job Functions:

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

PURPOSE: 

The Accounts Receivable/Credit Lead will oversee the collections, cash application, and credit evaluation processes for our NRF South branches. This role requires a deep understanding of the unique financial workflows of the construction industry, including managing mechanic’s liens, joint check agreements, and progress billings. You will serve as the primary bridge between our collections group, billing group, sales team, project managers, and contractor customers to maximize cash flow while mitigating credit risk.

BASIC FUNCTIONS: 

Credit & Risk Management 

• Evaluate credit applications for new and existing commercial contractors, sub-contractors, and developers. 

• Establish, review, and adjust credit limits using credit bureaus, trade references, and financial statement analysis. 

• Monitor high-risk accounts and proactively address potential bad debt within the construction portfolio. 

Construction-Specific Compliance 

• Manage the mechanic’s lien process, including timely filing of Preliminary Notices (Notice to Owner) and executing lien waivers (conditional and unconditional). 

• Coordinate joint check agreements and protect the company’s financial interests on large project-based orders. 

• Navigate complex payment structures such as retainage, progress billings, and paid-when-paid clauses. 

General Accounting Compliance

• Assist with internal audits, according to annual schedules.
• Assist with maintaining SOX controls, ensuring all controls are in place and up to date; assist with SOX control testing.

Accounts Receivable & Collections 

• Lead the collections strategy for a portfolio of construction accounts, ensuring a professional yet assertive approach to reducing Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). 

• Research and resolve complex billing discrepancies, short payments, and skipped invoices related to shipping damages, job-site delivery issues, or pricing disputes. 

Leadership & Collaboration 

• Act as the escalation point for AR teammates regarding complex account reconciliation or difficult collection calls. 

• Train teammates on business processes, internal and external guidelines regarding liens, and effective collections techniques. 

• Partner closely with Sales Managers, Contract Managers, and Project Managers to facilitate sales growth while maintaining credit guardrails. 

• Prepare weekly/monthly aging reports and credit metrics for senior management. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2+ years of accounts receivable and credit experience. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or equivalent industry experience. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of state-specific construction lien laws (NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, VA, TN, MS, LA, and TX), bonding, and credit risk assessment. 
• Experience in the Building Products, Manufacturing, Hardware Distribution, or Construction industries. 

• Proficiency in construction-specific credit tools (e.g., Dun & Bradstreet) is highly preferred.  

• Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables) are a plus. 

• Exceptional negotiation and conflict-resolution skills. Ability to build strong relationships with contractors as well as corporate executives.

What Success Looks Like in This Role 

• DSO Reduction: Keeping the average days sales outstanding within or below industry benchmarks for building materials supply. 

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: Seamlessly executing lien rights before statutory deadlines pass. 

• Sales Enablement: Finding creative financial solutions (like job-specific credit lines or joint checks) to say "yes" to large project orders safely.