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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Maintenance & AR Technician

💰 $45,000 - $65,000 Annually

MaintenanceSkilled TradesAccountingFinanceFacilities

🎯 Role Definition

The Maintenance & AR Technician is a multifaceted role integral to our operational efficiency and financial health. This position is uniquely responsible for both the hands-on execution of equipment maintenance and repair, and the subsequent management of the accounts receivable cycle for those services. The incumbent acts as a critical link between field service delivery and back-office financial operations, ensuring that technical work is completed to a high standard and that revenue is accurately and promptly collected. This role demands a rare blend of technical aptitude, financial acumen, and exceptional customer-facing skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Field Service Technician
  • Maintenance Mechanic
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk
  • Billing Specialist

Advancement To:

  • Senior Maintenance & AR Technician
  • Field Service Supervisor
  • Maintenance Manager
  • Accounts Receivable Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Facilities Coordinator
  • Service Dispatcher
  • Project Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive diagnostics and troubleshooting on a variety of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic equipment to accurately identify faults and determine repair requirements.
  • Execute timely and effective corrective repairs on machinery and building systems, ensuring minimal operational downtime and strict adherence to all safety standards.
  • Conduct routine and scheduled preventive maintenance tasks, including lubrication, filter changes, and system inspections, to prolong equipment life and prevent future breakdowns.
  • Generate, process, and issue accurate and detailed invoices to clients immediately following the completion of service calls, ensuring all labor, parts, and fees are correctly itemized.
  • Diligently manage the full accounts receivable ledger, including posting customer payments, processing credit memos, and applying funds to the correct invoices in the accounting system.
  • Proactively initiate collection efforts on past-due accounts through professional communication, including phone calls and email correspondence, to resolve outstanding balances.
  • Maintain precise and organized documentation for all maintenance activities, including creating and updating work orders within the CMMS and logging parts used and labor hours.
  • Reconcile customer accounts by investigating and resolving billing discrepancies, short payments, and other payment-related issues in a timely and customer-focused manner.
  • Respond to emergency maintenance requests with a sense of urgency, assessing the situation quickly and taking appropriate action to secure the area and initiate repairs.
  • Prepare and analyze weekly accounts receivable aging reports to identify delinquent accounts and track collection progress against key performance indicators.
  • Install, assemble, and set up new equipment according to technical manuals and blueprints, ensuring proper functionality and integration with existing systems.
  • Establish and maintain positive relationships with clients, providing clear communication regarding both the status of technical repairs and any outstanding account balances.
  • Assist in managing the inventory of spare parts, tools, and supplies, sourcing materials for repairs and ensuring stock levels are adequate for anticipated needs.
  • Read and interpret technical documents, such as blueprints, schematics, and equipment manuals, to aid in troubleshooting and repair processes.
  • Ensure all work is performed in compliance with company policies, safety regulations (e.g., OSHA), and environmental standards to maintain a safe and compliant work environment.
  • Set up new customer accounts within the billing system, verifying credit information and establishing payment terms in accordance with company policy.
  • Process payments received via check, credit card, and ACH, ensuring transactions are recorded accurately and securely in the financial system.
  • Coordinate with the service dispatch team to efficiently schedule maintenance tasks and respond to client service requests.
  • Provide detailed service reports to clients and internal management, outlining the work performed, issues identified, and recommendations for future action.
  • Participate in the end-of-month closing process by ensuring all service billing is completed and accounts are reconciled for financial reporting.
  • Inspect building systems, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical, to ensure proper operation and identify potential issues before they become major problems.
  • Negotiate and establish documented payment plans for customers with significant overdue balances, balancing financial recovery with customer retention.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc requests for analysis, such as reporting on repair frequency versus billing cycles for key clients.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance and billing processes by providing feedback and suggestions from the field.
  • Collaborate with sales and service departments to ensure a seamless customer experience from service call to final payment.
  • Participate in regular team meetings and safety trainings to stay current on company policies and industry best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
  • Experience with Accounts Receivable (AR) software and ERP systems (e.g., QuickBooks, NetSuite, SAP).
  • Skilled in using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work order and asset tracking.
  • Competency in reading and interpreting technical blueprints, schematics, and service manuals.
  • Strong understanding of invoicing, billing cycles, and standard accounts receivable principles.
  • High-speed data entry skills with a keen eye for detail and a high degree of accuracy for financial record-keeping.
  • Working knowledge of occupational safety standards (OSHA) and the proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Competence in using standard hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for clear, professional interaction with clients regarding both technical and financial matters.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to diagnose complex equipment failures and resolve intricate billing discrepancies.
  • Superior organization and time management skills to effectively balance hands-on technical tasks with administrative duties.
  • A strong customer service orientation combined with a professional and diplomatic approach to payment collections.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning as a collaborative and supportive team member.
  • High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's Degree or certification from a Technical/Vocational School.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Maintenance Technology
  • HVAC-R
  • Accounting or Bookkeeping
  • Business Administration

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5 years of combined experience in a technical maintenance or field service role and an accounting/billing function.

Preferred:

  • Direct experience in a service-based industry (e.g., equipment repair, property management, HVAC services) where technicians are involved in the customer billing process. Proven track record of successfully managing both hands-on equipment repair and full-cycle accounts receivable duties.
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