Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Accounts Receivable / Accounts Payable Specialist

at Terracycle

🏢 About Terracycle

Terracycle is a global leader in recycling hard-to-recycle waste, turning everything from ocean plastics to cigarette butts into new products. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven company that partners with major brands to eliminate waste, offering a unique opportunity to combine accounting expertise with environmental impact.

About This Role

As the Senior AR/AP Specialist, you'll own the full cycle of accounts receivable and payable, ensuring smooth cash flow and accurate financial reporting for a fast-growing, remote company. Your work directly supports Terracycle's ability to scale its operations and expand its recycling programs worldwide.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start the day reviewing cash application status and following up on overdue invoices via email or phone. Mid-morning, process vendor invoices, resolve discrepancies, and prepare weekly AR aging reports. Afternoon is dedicated to month-end close tasks like accruals, reconciliations, and collaborating with the finance team on cash flow forecasts.

🎯 Who Terracycle Is Looking For

  • 4-7 years of progressive AR and AP experience, with a strong grasp of GAAP and month-end close processes, preferably in a high-volume, multi-currency environment.
  • Advanced Excel skills (Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, complex formulas) to analyze AR aging, DSO, and cash flow metrics.
  • Experience with cash application and collections, including managing disputes and reducing DSO, in a remote or decentralized team.
  • A detail-oriented problem solver who can maintain internal controls and drive process improvements, with an Associate's or Bachelor's in Accounting or Finance.

📝 Tips for Applying to Terracycle

1

Highlight specific achievements in AR/AP, such as reducing DSO by X% or automating invoice processing, with quantifiable results.

2

Mention any experience with recycling, sustainability, or mission-driven companies to show alignment with Terracycle's values.

3

In your cover letter, reference a specific Terracycle program (e.g., Loop, Zero Waste Box) and how your role supports its financial operations.

4

Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'cash application', 'collections', 'month-end close', and 'account reconciliations' from the job description.

5

Since the role is remote, emphasize your self-motivation, time management, and experience with virtual collaboration tools.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express passion for Terracycle's mission and how your financial skills can help scale their impact.", 'Showcase your expertise in AR/AP processes and month-end close, with examples of improving efficiency or accuracy.', 'Demonstrate your ability to work independently in a remote environment, with strong communication and organization.', "Mention your advanced Excel skills and how you've used them to generate actionable reports for cash flow management."]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Explore Terracycle's website to understand their business model, especially the 'Loop' platform and brand partnerships.
  • Read recent news about Terracycle's expansion or new recycling programs to discuss in the interview.
  • Familiarize yourself with their financial reporting structure if available, and any specific ERP systems they use (e.g., NetSuite, SAP).
  • Check their LinkedIn page for employee testimonials or recent achievements to show genuine interest.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your month-end close process for AR and AP, including accruals and reconciliations.
2 How do you prioritize collections and manage disputes with customers to reduce DSO?
3 Describe a time you improved an AR/AP process. What was the impact?
4 How do you ensure accuracy and internal controls when working remotely?
5 What experience do you have with multi-currency transactions or global vendors?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Terracycle's mission or the specific role responsibilities.
  • Failing to quantify achievements in AR/AP (e.g., 'managed invoices' vs. 'processed 500+ invoices weekly with 99% accuracy').
  • Not preparing for remote-specific questions, such as how you stay productive without direct supervision.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Terracycle!