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. 1

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

  2. 2

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

  3. 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. 4

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

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

    Application Review

    1-2 weeks

  2. 2

    Initial Screening

    Phone call or written assessment

  3. 3

    Interviews

    1-2 rounds, usually virtual

  4. ✓

    Offer

    Congratulations!