Cash Applications Manager

Who We Are

At Encore Fire Protection, we are proud to be the east coast's largest full-service fire protection company, serving over 90,000 customers from Maine to Louisiana. With a team of over 2,200 dedicated employees, we provide innovative, customized fire suppression, fire sprinkler, and fire alarm solutions that protect lives and properties every day.

Our goal is to deliver superior experience to those who trust us to safeguard what matters most. We are passionate about continuous growth, innovation, and maintaining a culture that thrives on success and commitment to safety. Our mission? To be the best fire protection company the industry has ever seen.

The Opportunity

The Manager, Cash Applications, is responsible for leading Encore's cash application function during a period of significant organizational growth and transformation. This role directly oversees a team of Cash Application Specialists and is accountable for the timely, accurate posting of customer payments across a high-volume, decentralized customer base, while driving down unapplied and unidentified cash.

This is a high-visibility role with a direct impact on the accuracy of Encore's AR ledger and downstream collections effectiveness. The ideal candidate is an experienced cash applications or order-to-cash leader with a track record of building teams, tightening controls, and implementing the operational discipline needed to keep cash posting current and accurate.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development

• Directly manage a team of Cash Application Specialists, providing coaching, accountability, and day-to-day direction.
• Set clear performance expectations, monitor individual and team output, and conduct regular one-on-ones and performance reviews.
• Drive a culture of accuracy, urgency, and continuous improvement across the cash applications team.
• Support onboarding and development of new and temporary cash application staff as volume scales.
• Identify high-potential team members and create development opportunities to build long-term bench strength.

Cash Application Performance & Execution

• Own cash application outcomes across all payment channels, including lockbox, ACH, wire, credit card, and check remittances.
• Ensure daily cash is applied within established SLAs, prioritizing high-dollar and high-volume remittances.
• Monitor and drive down unapplied and unidentified cash balances, partnering with collections and billing to resolve root causes.
• Oversee research and resolution of short pays, deductions, overpayments, and misapplied cash.
• Track and report on weekly and monthly cash application KPIs to the Director of Accounts Receivable and senior leadership.

Process & Technology

• Partner with Treasury and Banking on lockbox setup, remittance file formats, and payment portal enhancements.
• Identify gaps in cash application procedures and exception-handling workflows; implement improvements in partnership with AR leadership.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives targeting straight-through processing rates and reduction of manual touches.
• Partner with the Manager, AR Operations and Collections Manager to ensure cash posting aligns with billing accuracy and collections activity.

Controls & Reconciliation

• Ensure daily cash application reconciles to bank deposits and the general ledger, escalating and resolving discrepancies timely.
• Maintain strong internal controls over cash handling, unapplied cash aging, and refund/credit processing.
• Support month-end close activities related to cash application, unapplied cash, and customer credit balances.
• Partner with internal and external audit on cash application testing and documentation requests.

Reporting & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Prepare and present cash application performance reporting to AR leadership, including unapplied cash aging and trend analysis.
• Collaborate with branch operations, billing, and collections to resolve root causes of misapplied or unidentified payments.
• Partner with the Director of Accounts Receivable on strategic initiatives including AR transformation, system integrations, and process automation.

What You Bring to the Table

• 5+ years of experience in cash applications, order-to-cash, or accounts receivable, with at least 2+ years in a management role overseeing a team.
• Demonstrated track record of driving measurable improvements in unapplied cash, posting accuracy, or straight-through processing rates in a high-volume environment.
• Experience leading cash application operations in a decentralized, multi-location, or field services business is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with cash application and collections management platforms (Esker experience a plus) and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret bank and remittance data, identify trends, and translate data into action plans.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team through change.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment and maintain focus on high-impact activities.

What Will Make You Stand Out?

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience with lockbox banking relationships, remittance automation, or AI/OCR-based cash matching tools.
• Experience in a PE-backed, metric-driven environment (acquisition/integration exposure, EBITDA focus, working capital optimization, etc.) or a multi-site, decentralized operation.

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Beyond the Paycheck

At Encore, we’re all about creating a culture where success is celebrated. We recognize that our work makes people’s lives safer, and we reward those who contribute to our growth. Here’s what you can expect:

• Competitive Pay: Hourly rate based on experience with a performance-based bonus opportunity.

• Tuition Assistance: Paid tuition for fire protection-related schooling needed to obtain licensing.

• Purpose-Driven Work Environment: We believe in working smarter, not harder. You’ll be part of a culture that values results, and we empower our team to focus on impactful work.

• Swag: High-quality company swag and attire (t-shirts, hoodies, jackets) – at least twice a year.

• People-Focused Culture: We know our greatest strength is our people. That’s why we’ve built a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and improving together. You’ll have the space to share your ideas and help shape a company that is constantly growing.

• Tools for Success: Access to leading-edge web-based productivity tools.

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.

• Retirement Planning: Participation in our Fidelity 401(k) plan with a company match, helping you save for your future.

• Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance policy of $50,000 to give you peace of mind.

EEO Statement

Encore Fire Protection is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Encore Fire Protection is an E-Verify Employer.

As an EEO/AA employer, Encore Fire Protection considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate based on gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.