Bilingual Accounts Receivable Specialist

Who we are: CCOF advances organic agriculture for a healthy world. We advocate on behalf of our members for organic policies, support the growth of organic through education and grants, and provide organic certification that is personal and accessible.

CCOF is a nonprofit organization governed by the people who grow and make our food. Founded in California 50 years ago, our roots now span the breadth of North America, and our presence is internationally recognized. We are supported by an organic family of farmers, ranchers, processors, retailers, consumers, and policymakers. Together, we work to realize a future where organic is the norm.

 

Position Summary:  

CCOF is expanding our accounting team! We are looking for a Bilingual Accounts Receivable Specialist to support our mission-driven work. The Accounts Receivable Specialist works closely with the accounting team to support various accounts receivables processes for CCOF and its affiliated organizations. This role plays a key part in maintaining strong financial operations and excellent communication with both English- and Spanish-speaking stakeholders. 

 

If you have experience in accounts receivable, strong attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish, we encourage you to apply. A passion for supporting a collaborative and purpose-driven organization is a must! 

 

This is a full-time, non-exempt position that reports to the Accounting Manager. This is an in-office position based in Santa Cruz, California. 

 

Essential Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the accounting team to:

• Ensure the timely and accurate processing of client certification and inspection invoices.  

• Respond to clients' inquiries regarding account balances, billing issues, and payment plan requests in a professional and timely manner.  

• Monitor and track accounts receivable activity, providing regular status updates and reports to the Accounting Manager. 

• Assist in client outreach efforts to follow up on past due accounts and support collections processes.  

 

Specific duties:

Accounts Receivable duties for CCOF Certification Services, LLC, CCOF Inc, and CCOF OCal Certification Services, LLC. 

• Accurately record check, credit card and electronic payments in the accounting system. 

• Accurately record bank deposits in the accounting system. 

• Accurately record incoming payments to client accounts. 

• Generate client invoices on a weekly basis for inspection and certification services. 

• Set up client payment plans.  

• Generate and send month-end client account statements. 

• Conduct bilingual (English/Spanish) outreach via phone and email to follow up on past-due client accounts.  

• Respond to client inquiries via phone and email in both English and Spanish. 

• Collaborate with the certification department to address and resolve client billing issues and inquiries. 

 

General Accounting duties

• Enter and reconcile employee credit card transactions. 

• Coordinate monthly staff credit card expense report submission and approvals workflows. 

• Assist with other accounting tasks as directed by the supervisor. 

 

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in bookkeeping or accounting, preferably with Accounts Receivable functions such as invoicing, payment processing, and account reconciliation. 

• Minimum of 2 years of experience using accounting information systems such as QuickBooks, NetSuite or similar programs. 

• Intermediate Spanish language skills to speak fluently and write detailed emails. 

• Communication Skills: Professional written communication skills. Writes clearly with the ability to tailor messages to various audiences.   

• Customer Service: Experience providing professional customer service displaying a courteous and helpful attitude at all times when interacting with clients. This includes being patient and respectful and taking the time to listen to clients’ needs or concerns and address them accordingly. 

• Teamwork: Actively contributes to the team to complete tasks and meet goals. Actively listens to coworkers, respect ideas, and aims to improve processes at hand. 

• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people, demographics and communication styles to foster a productive work environment. 

• Highly organized, motivated, and detail oriented. Outstanding organizational skills with a proven ability to prioritize, track, and complete tasks efficiently and accurately, with keen attention to detail. 

• Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving skills: Ability to work independently, manage time to meet deadlines, and ask for help when needed. 

• Proficiency in computer skills including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and other database programs.  

 

Desired Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field. 

• Experience working effectively with hybrid teams which include both remote and in-office staff. 

• Experience collecting unpaid debts such as client accounts receivable or third-party collections 

• Experience in digital transformation or system integration projects. 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities or Key Relationships:

• This role does not have any supervisory responsibilities. 

 

Physical and Travel Requirements:

• Ability to work an 8-hour regular workday schedule that falls within the 8:00 am to 6:00 pm timeframe. 

• Ability to lift 20 lbs. from ground to waist. 

• Ability to stand or sit for several consecutive hours at a desk while working at a computer. 

 

Other duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 

Compensation: CCOF takes pride in offering competitive pay and benefits such as superb health plans, 401(k) program, and generous sick/personal and vacation time. The Bilingual Accounts Receivable Specialist’s starting salary range will be $56,238 – $67,000 and will depend on qualifications and experience.  

 

Hiring Process: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interested applicants, please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter summarizing your interest in CCOF and the position, and qualifications
• Current resume
• List of three professional references

 

Incomplete applications will not be considered. No phone calls, please. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your interest.

CCOF is an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize community, well-being, and belonging, ensuring that everyone has a chance to contribute, develop and succeed. We encourage people with various talents and experience to apply.  

Community-building is a core value at CCOF. We are passionate about cultivating and sustaining a work environment where all employees can thrive. We believe every member of our team enriches our culture by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world.