Cash Applications Manager

Position Summary

The Manager - Cash Application is responsible for the leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of the Cash Application function. This position provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure timely and accurate cash application, reduction of unapplied cash, effective workload management, strong internal controls, and exceptional customer support.

The role is accountable for developing a high-performing team through active engagement, coaching, performance management, and clear accountability while driving process improvements, reporting visibility, and cross-functional collaboration. The Manager serves as the primary owner of cash application operations and is responsible for delivering business results through effective leadership, data-driven decision making, and continuous operational improvement.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for a team of cash application associates, ensuring alignment of priorities, workload distribution, performance expectations, and service delivery.
• Own end-to-end cash application operations, ensuring customer payments are applied accurately, timely, and in compliance with established controls and procedures.
• Drive unapplied cash reduction efforts through proactive monitoring, aging management, root cause analysis, and execution of targeted resolution plans.
• Develop and deliver executive reporting and operational analytics that provide visibility into cash trends, performance metrics, risks, and business opportunities.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation, process optimization, standardization, and operational efficiency across the cash application function.
• Partner cross-functionally with Credit, Collections, Sales, Finance, Operations, and Banking partners to resolve complex payment issues and improve cash flow performance.
• Build a culture of accountability and employee development through coaching, performance management, talent development, and succession planning.
• Assess departmental capacity, workload, and resource utilization to ensure appropriate staffing, balanced work assignments, and scalable operations.
• Serve as the primary escalation and decision-making authority for complex cash application matters, utilizing data-driven insights and root cause analysis to drive sustainable business solutions.
• Lead departmental change initiatives, including process transformations, system enhancements, organizational changes, and new business requirements.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions and contribute to initiatives that support the organization’s financial and operational objectives.
• Solicits feedback from both internal and external stakeholders to improve both service levels and commitments within the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 7+ years of progressive Accounts Receivable or Cash Application experience, including responsibility for cash application, banking transactions, unapplied cash management, and payment reconciliation.
• 5+ years of leadership experience, with demonstrated success managing, coaching, and developing high-performing teams, including remote or offshore resources.
• 3+ years of progressive experience leveraging Cash Application automation platform (e.g., Billtrust, HighRadius, GetPaid, or equivalent), with a proven track record of driving efficiency, improving cash posting accuracy, and optimizing Accounts Receivable processes through technology-enabled solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to perform root cause analysis, interpret complex data, identify trends, and develop actionable solutions.
• Demonstrated experience driving process improvements and operational efficiencies, including workflow optimization, automation initiatives, and implementation of internal controls.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools, with the ability to develop performance metrics, executive reporting, and business insights.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence outcomes, present findings to senior leadership, and collaborate effectively across Finance, Sales, Customer Service, Credit, and Operations.
• Knowledge of cash management, banking operations, lockbox processing, electronic payments, ERP systems, and accounting principles, with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and financial controls.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

Reasonable accommodations will be evaluated and may be implemented to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions of this position.

• This job operates in a professional office environment and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.
• Long periods of time working on a computer and performing repetitive key-boarding activities; must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time, much of the time viewing a computer screen.
• Long periods of time performing work over the phone.
• Frequently required to sit and/or stand.
• May be required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand and may include little to no advanced notice
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• May be required to handle hazardous materials and wear various forms of protective equipment (shoes, gloves, protective eyewear, etc.).