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.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 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
Highlight specific achievements in AR/AP, such as reducing DSO by X% or automating invoice processing, with quantifiable results.
Mention any experience with recycling, sustainability, or mission-driven companies to show alignment with Terracycle's values.
In your cover letter, reference a specific Terracycle program (e.g., Loop, Zero Waste Box) and how your role supports its financial operations.
Tailor your resume to include keywords like 'cash application', 'collections', 'month-end close', and 'account reconciliations' from the job description.
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:
⚠️ 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!