Collections Ninja | Simplifying AR | Turning CPG Invoices into Cash Flow

At Collections Ninja, we redefine the way high-growth CPG brands manage their Accounts Receivables. 

Our mission is to convert your invoices into a robust cash flow, fueling the growth and success of your brand. 

We are not just advisors; we are partners in your journey, committed to safeguarding your financial health and amplifying your potential.

Welcome to Collections Ninja, where we blend financial expertise with a passion for CPG brands. 

Our team, led by Raffy Garcia, is dedicated to transforming the Accounts Receivables process, turning a routine financial function into a strategic asset.

We specialize in optimizing AR processes, safeguarding against losses, and ensuring that invoices translate into tangible cash flow. 

Our approach is tailored to each brand's unique needs, ensuring solutions that are not only effective but also resonate with your company's vision and mission.

Our values of support, integrity, and perseverance are at the core of everything we do. 

We engage with CPG founders as more than service providers; we are loyal customers, advocates, and partners in your growth. Connect with us to explore how we can turn your financial challenges into opportunities for success.

As the Founder and Chief Advisor at Collections Ninja, I provide strategic guidance and expert advice in transforming Accounts Receivables for Leaders in high-growth CPG brands.

Founder & Chief Advisor

~Pourri

Revolutionizing Pourri's Financial Landscape: $9.4M Recovered and Over 90 Days Past Due Reduced to Under 5%!

Introduction:
Our eight-month journey with Pourri marked a true financial transformation. We overcame challenges, achieved monumental results, and empowered their AR team for lasting success. Here are the biggest wins:

Biggest Wins:

    1. Massive Recovery: Closed invoices totaling $9.4 million, constituting a staggering 92.44% of total AR.
    2. Over 90 Days Past Due Triumph: Reduced from 21% to under 5%, saving potential losses.
    3. Doubled Cash Flow: Achieved by doubling the average weekly AR Aging.
   4.  Empowered Team: AR team is now well-prepared to maintain the progress and drive consistent cash flow.
    5. Billing Precision: Addressed billing and invoicing errors for long-term stability.

This partnership exemplifies the power of effective AR management, showcasing how collaboration can drive transformative results. 

Pourri is now primed for continued success in their AR operations. 💼📊

Case Study: Transforming Accounts Receivable for Pourri

Kitsch

Beyond Boundaries: Kitsch's Accounts Receivables Revolution – Learn How I Skyrocketed Collections and Banished Past-Due AR Blues!

As an AR Collections & Clean Up Consultant, I've successfully collaborated with clients like Kitsch. 

During this time, I spearheaded the restructuring of their Accounts Receivables Department, implementing standardized processes, improving collection rates, reducing past-due AR, and enhancing AR aging balances. 

My expertise extends to managing AR for E-commerce businesses, reconciling customer names across systems, and training teams for more efficient AR management. 

With a proven track record, I can bring these accomplishments and skills to benefit your business as well.

Restructured and rebuilt the Account Receivables Department. 

Created SOPs for new processes, the standardized Cash application process, and proper remittance backup and storage management.

Oversight and focused on AR Collections and multi-year-old past due open invoice cleanup. 

Developed and created internal controls within AR and EOM closing and reporting.

Increased Collections rates and decreased past-due open AR across all accounts.

AR Customer Name management and reconciliation across two separate systems.

Oversight and management of Cash application for E-commerce Faire.com businesses.

It increased AR Aging Balances to over 75% current from a low 50% in under six months.

Decreased Past Due AR over 60 days and greater to below 10%

Transitioned team members and crossed trained them to more efficient AR management & collections standards.

Oversight over Faire.com Billing & ALL AR customer Billing for accurate Monthly revenue reporting and recording.

Manganed Invoice Creation and revenue billing for E-commerce businesses.

Cash Boost: Kitsch's AR Transformation Unveiled!

Speedo

As the Accounts Receivable (AR) Collections Supervisor, I am part of the regional Finance structure in North America. In addition to serving as a primary contact to our customer base for all cash collections in the US and Canada, I play a part in setting up the function of SAP operating procedures. 

l am “hands-on” at both operational and business levels, with a shrewd focus on understanding and explaining the story behind the customer’s open debt with a focus on converting sales to cash.

HOW I MAKE A LONG TERM IMPACT:
•	Full ownership of the AR ledger to optimize the sales to cash conversion for our brands within North America
•	Lead team of 3 collection Specialists 
•	Responsible for monitoring and maintaining assigned accounts – customer calls, reconciliations, prepayments and if necessary, assisting clients with discrepancies and resolving short payments
•	Collection calls and/or correspondence (emails) in a fast-paced goal orientated collections department
•	Providing customer service regarding credit & collection issues, process credit cards, refunds if necessary, submit and review account adjustments
•	Accountable for maintaining aged debt targets at or above our target
•	Enlist the efforts of sales when necessary to accelerate the collection process
•	Ensure all invoices are properly transmitted to customers (virtual mailroom, customer portal or print to post)
•	Support in opening new customer accounts
•	Processing Credit Card Payments
•	Assist in month-end close duties (e.g., bad debt & charge-back reporting, month end aging with comments)
•	Daily run of the credit hold report – release credit worthy customers and send out reporting to brand managers to be reviewed
•	Weekly and Monthly Reporting of collection and credit issues to the wider business 
•	Support in reviewing the B2B forward order book report on a quarterly basis to address potential credit issues

AR Collections Supervisor

Cremo Company

During my tenure at Cremo Company, overseeing Accounts Receivable Team operations, we addressed key financial challenges:

Challenges:
Cremo faced overdue accounts receivable, inefficient billing, and cash flow issues. My role aimed to optimize AR operations.

Roles and Responsibilities:
My multifaceted responsibilities included:

    Team Leadership: Guiding daily AR Team activities aligned with our objectives.
    Financial Forecasting: Ensuring accurate cash flow through daily AR cash forecasts.
    Reporting Excellence: Producing vital reports, disseminated to Sales, Finance, and Operations Teams.
    Collections Mastery: Overseeing collections, cash application, and account reconciliation.
    Chargeback & Bad Debt Management: Minimizing financial losses by managing chargebacks and bad debt.
    Process Optimization: Implementing efficient process improvements across AR operations.
    Collaboration: Ensuring billing accuracy and revenue recognition through close collaboration with the Operations Team.
    Account Analysis: Conducting comprehensive account analyses for AR, bad debt, and open AR credits.
    Policy & Procedure Development: Creating and maintaining department policies and procedures for compliance.
    ERP System Enhancement: Identifying and implementing efficiency opportunities within the ERP system.
    Financial Auditing: Completing required AR audits and supporting Controller in financial audits.
    Controls & Compliance: Developing and maintaining company controls and ensuring financial compliance.

Results:
Our collaborative efforts delivered:

    Reduced outstanding AR, enhancing cash flow.
    Minimized chargebacks and bad debt, preserving stability.
    Improved process efficiency and accuracy, reducing operational costs.
    Strengthened compliance and controls, mitigating financial risks.
    Streamlined financial reporting, providing critical insights.
    Enhanced cross-functional collaboration, fostering shared responsibility.

 Case Study: Optimizing Accounts Receivable As the AR Supervisor

-Key team member in Collections of one key account: Past Due AR Aging of $1.1MM down to $94K in under 4 months
-Key team member in collections with one of our top accounts: researched, compiled, analyzed, sorted remittance detail with thousands of data rows
-Payment of over $900K received was tasked with cash application and disbursement of funds across several hundred partially open invoices

-Collections Overall: Cleaned up several accounts with AR Aging dating back to 2017, 2018, was successful in collecting and resolving partially paid invoices

-Ownership of Key accounts from an AR Collections to Disputes cycle - Matching Tradespend and payments with proper backup documentation through several portals and formats.
-Build and Manage AR Directory
-Clean up of Accounts: Researched and validated Partially and 100% open Outstanding AR, created  Credit Memos (CM) to clean up partially open invoices that had valid deductions and trade spend related chargebacks, previously not cleared and applied

-Collections with OPS/Billers: working with Ops to get contacts and EDI invoices for collections that resulted in us collecting on our receivables
-Increased check deposits from once a week to twice a week, getting paid faster.
-Decrease DSO
-Daily posting of payments from customers along with the new process for Payment Application and CM creation and Process Flow
-Compiled list of customers that we are ready to start changing to ACH project
-Updating Remittance Address for all customers to HQ streamlining this process
-AR/Ops working together – making sure EDI invoices are showing up in Customer’s Portal for Timely Payments
-Researching OTIF/Compliance & Shorts/ filing claims, creating processes and finding efficiencies within current customers under my care
-Assist with Company and bank Audits
-Setting up new SOPs for current tasks and obligations 
-Weekly Reporting of Sales & related business standing reports

AR Collections Specialist 

Sambazon

In charge of managing and reconciling key account deductions and bring them to a resolution. Also, hands-on with all collections and keeping accounts to current balances. I ensure DSO for the company improves over time and implement the proper procedures to help run the department efficiently and with a high level of customer satisfaction. I have the primary responsibility for the management of receivables for Sambazon.
 
Key Responsibilities:
• A/R Collections related to all Natural Channel accounts, and other key accounts, as assigned.
•Processing of all cash receipts sent to Sambazon's Lockbox via check, wire, and ACH, as well as processing of cash and credit card payments, and the periodic deposits made direct to our local branch.
•Analysis and validation of chargebacks from assigned customers, and application of their corresponding credit memos into SAP system. On occasion, will require refuting of invalid deductions.
•Verify the credit history of new customer accounts, and enter new accounts into SAP.
•Work closely with Operations staff, as necessary, to obtain POD documentation; resolve any invoicing issues related to assigned customers; and to cut off shipments to non-paying accounts, when applicable, upon approval by A/R Manager.

Deduction Management:
•Managing and reconciling open chargebacks/disputes/short payments on accounts receivable 
•Resolving customer disputed deductions pertaining to pricing, bill backs, damages/shortages claims, etc. 
•Full understanding of customer’s and company’s operations (i.e. customer’s portals, company’s process/procedure etc.) to efficiently resolve authorize or un-authorize deductions 
•Following credit memo coding guidance to record proper account on credit 
•Work closely with Customer Service and Sales to set up new customers, credit limits, and ensure proper finance documentation loaded into the system 
•Proactively manage credit holds, and communicate effectively with Customer Service, Sales, and Customers

Accounts Receivable Specialist

As the Accounts Receivable Clerk I have primary responsibility over the monitoring and processing of collections, deposits, and deductions for key customers that Sambazon conducts business with.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
•	Collections and processing of payments from key customers in SAP. Includes, but not limited to, the negotiation of payment schedules when necessary.
•	Analysis and validation of chargebacks from key customers. On occasion, will require refuting of invalid deductions.
•	Conduct customer credit checks
•	Monthly AR related reports
•	Perform other duties as needed or directed by AR Manager.

-  key team member in maintaning our Natural Trade Spend Report for deduction validation and Monthly Trade Spending Reporting to Sales Directors, along with the Marketing Department and Head of Sales Team

- Natural Trade Spend Report cut our Deduction validation process from 3-4 hours down to 1 hour
- Natural Trade Spend Report is an ever growing Excel database Based reporting system, built from scratch consisting of (formulas, functions, and pivot tables) very comfortable working with Excel
- Key Natural Channel Accounts were cleared and brought up to date in Outstanding open Invoices by validating and clearing $300k+ in open deductions that were pending verification  

- Full ownership for payment processing and application to customer accounts received via LB,ACH, Wire transfers to all company customers.

- Analyzed and processed request for trade references and credit checks for new customer setups and payment terms, very comfortable evaluating credit worthiness of potential new customers 

-Maintained Customer Database in the ERP System along with setting up new customers

- Responsible for Cash Applications the complete cycle of payments and deduction validation for Key Accounts in our Natural Channel of business.

- Helped Streamlined and make more efficient our Deduction process in terms of organization and easy access to backup when needed

Accounts Receivable Clerk

As the Trade Shipping Coordinator I was accountable for handling and managing the shipping of company materials and products to the Sambazon Sales & Marketing team, Coordinate Trade events, setup and delivery of  as well as all consumer orders taken over the internet or phone in accordance with the guidelines, policies and procedures outlined by the company.


•	Meet/exceed internal and external customer expectations for shipments of company materials (samples, POS, etc) and company products to internet and phone customers.
•	Create the Monthly Internet Sales Report for Hector to Process and Invoice correctly
•	Process Sales Samples & POS Resquests in SAP for Cost Consumption
•	Actively look for Better Rates on Shipping Supplies: Uline,Delta Styrofoam Boxes 
•	Help The Warehouse Manager unloading product for warehouse placement
•	Manage and Ship Amazon.com Orders, Create PDF Files for East & West Coast Shipping
•	Update Both Internet and Amazon Tracking numbers
•	Process Consumer Shipments
o	Process order data into process spreadsheet
o	Internet & Phone order fulfillment – package shipments
o	Coordinate and prepare East Coast orders
o	Print Packing list
o	Provide tracking information to customers
o	Shopping Cart Reconcile process
o	Credit Card processing/Refunds/cancellations
•	Process Internal Sales/Promotional/Marketing Shipments
o	Process and the Fulfillment of all POS requests
o	Prepare, pack and ship Sales/Marketing Kits and Packages – POS, New Store, Broker, Direct Sales, PR and Demo kits
o	Fulfillment of products as samples to various sales/industry persons
•	Respond/Resolve customer service shipping issues on a timely basis (within 24 hours) via the phone or e-mail.
•	Process returns within company guidelines.
•	Provide International shipping quotes – assuring that customer is responsible for any and all importation fees or duties.
o	Provide shipping quotes
o	Prepare invoices and other required shipping documents
o	Coordinate shipment pick-up

Promoted: - Trade Shipping Coordinator

As the Shipping Coordinator I was accountable for handling and managing the shipping of company materials and products to the Sambazon Sales & Marketing team as well as all consumer orders taken over the internet or phone in accordance with the guidelines, policies and procedures outlined by the company.

- Grew revenue from our PayPal international customers by $10297
- Increased conversion of international product quotes to 8 out of 10 converting into sales
- Increased international customer Retention and reorders resulting in $4327 in additional sales
- Key member in team for reducing shipping supply cost by $2358 yearly
- Increased our Address verification & shipping Accuracy by 4% to 99% accurate deliveries
- 99% shipping accuracy resulting in $1123 savings from UPS Address Correction  Fees
- Accountable for the shipping of all consumer orders taken over the internet & phone
- Provide international shipping rates and fulfillment of international samples.
- Effectively ship all company materials and product request for the sales & marketing teams
- Process all sales request via Sales Force and POS request
- Sort customer orders into spreadsheets for East & West Coast Shipping Fulfillment

Shipping Coordinator

Imaging Plus, Inc

• Experience in Distribution Center configuration with Warehouse Management software
• Certified Industrial Truck Operator License (sit-down, stand/Up, Electric Pallet Jack)
• Responsible for the organization/maintenance of Warehouse and storage areas
• Administer the Drop Ship program
• Manage relationships, process inbound invoices and negotiate discounts with all carriers (Allstates World Cargo, UPS, U-line etc.)
• Manage physical inventory process (counts, cycle counts, etc.)
• Coordinate, administer, and monitor all outstanding POs and inbound shipments from vendors/suppliers
• Responsible for overall movement of merchandise-receiving and transferring
• Develop and implement strategic goals and action plans for the Warehouse Department
• Responsible for maintenance of office and packing supplies
• Completed projects within the requested time frame
• Responsible for processing/shipping phone orders
• Administer back-orders to maximize fill upon arrival
• Responsible for processing/shipping orders through FedEx & UPS
• Worked closely with management to ensure adequate inventory levels were maintained

Shipping & Receiving

Paragon Luggage Inc

• Responsible for All Inventory &amp; Equipment in a 56,100 SF Warehouse &amp; Office Building
• Experience in Distribution Center configuration with Warehouse Management software.
• Completed projects within the requested time frame
• Certified Industrial Truck Operator License (sit-down, stand/Up, Electric Pallet Jack)
• Responsible for organization and maintenance of Warehouse and storage areas
• Responsible for overall movement of merchandise-receiving and transferring
• Manage relationships, process inbound invoices and negotiate discounts with all carriers (FedEx, UPS, U-line etc.)
• Coordinate, administer, and monitor all outstanding POs and inbound shipments from vendors/suppliers.
• Administer the Drop Ship program
• Manage physical inventory process (counts, cycle counts, etc.)
• Develop and implement strategic goals and action plans for the Warehouse Department.
• Responsible for maintenance of office and packing supplies
• Administer back-orders to maximize fill upon arrival
• Responsible for processing/shipping phone orders
• Responsible for processing/shipping orders through FedEx &amp; UPS
• Works closely with management to ensure adequate inventory levels are maintained.

Assistant Warehouse Manager

BabyStyle, Inc

• Help customers select their purchases
• Knowledge of retail merchandising and product flow techniques
• Build loyalty with customers.
• Decrease store shrinkage by researching inventory discrepancies, and reporting suspicious activities to loss prevention specialists
• Organize the stock room &amp; warehouse, and ensure that accurate labeling, logical placement, neat arrangement, and cleanliness were maintained
• Assist in other store functions as needed
• Other duties include cashier
• Provided outstanding customer service
• Kept all stations clean, stocked and organized
• Willingness to learn and take direction.
• Adhere to all Company policies, procedures and practices.
• Unpack received goods; placement of product on selling floor.
• Verify accuracy of shipment.
• Ensure that each customer receives outstanding service by providing a friendly environment, which includes greeting and acknowledging every customer 
• Maintaining solid product knowledge and all other aspects of customer service.
• Maintain an awareness of all promotions and advertisements.
• Assist in floor moves, merchandising, display maintenance, and housekeeping
• Assist in processing and replenishing merchandise and monitoring floor stock.
• Aid customers in locating merchandise.
• Communicate customer requests to management.
• Assist in completing price changes within the department.
• Participate in year-end inventory and cycle counts.
• Assist in ringing up sales at registers and/or bagging merchandise.
• Any other tasks as assigned from time to time by any manager.

Stock & Sales) Associate

Wahoo's Fish Taco

• Supervise Working Conditions in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Train and coach employees.
• Conduct employee performance reviews.
• Responsible for shift schedule to include: work station assignments/rotations, employee training, employee vacations, 
employee breaks, overtime assignment, back-up for absent employees, and shift rotations.
• Coordinate Operation startups, shutdowns, and changeovers.
• Coordinate with Human Resources for appropriate staffing levels.
• Schedule and conduct shift meetings.
• Responsible to meet shift production goals.
• Responsible for quality control. Make adjustments as necessary during shift to best provide best Customer Service 
• Communicate with other Shift Supervisors and Manager.
• Ensure a clean and safe work area.
• Complete shift paper work.
• Assist in Customer Service as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Setup work station
• Counted and balanced register at beginning and end of shift
• Helped guests with placing their orders
• Provided outstanding customer service
• Kept all stations clean, stocked and organized

Server Cashier

Converting Invoices to Cash for CPG Leaders: Your AR, Our Expertise

I'm Raffy Garcia. 

Passionate about CPG brands, I specialize in Accounts Receivables transformation to drive growth. 

In my tenure, I've overseen cash flow management for companies with revenues from sub $30M to over $500M, playing a crucial role in their financial scaling and success.

My Approach:

Beyond managing invoices, I build strategic financial solutions aligned with CPG brand visions.

Core Values:

At the core of my professional ethos are the values of support, integrity, and perseverance. 

Testimonials:
🗣️ What industry experts say about working with me:

    Matt Kowalec, COO, CFO, CEO Advisor & Board Member:
    "Extremely pleased with the results...Raffy makes significant progress quickly."
    A journey of impactful learning with Matt.

    Arin Beltran, Accounts Receivable Specialist at ~Pourri:
    "Raffy's adaptability and positive attitude stand out."
    Showcasing adaptability and teamwork with Arin.

    Brett La Tourette, Accounting, Leadership & Operations:
    "An extremely talented person with a unique team-oriented approach."
    Gained invaluable insights under Brett's leadership.

    Oliver Kirya, Collaborative Financial Business Partner:
    "Raffy was eager to take on new challenges...a star in Accounts Receivable."
    Instrumental growth with Oliver's perspective at Sambazon.

    Matthew Biggins, CEO & President at Cremo Company:
    "Raffy stepped up to the challenge...an invaluable team member."
    Pivotal career experience with Matthew's guidance.

    Jim Harrington, Entrepreneurial CMO:
    "Raffy is a collections ninja...improved our company's profitability and cash flow."
    Masterclass in finance and brand strategy with Jim.

    Eric Munsayac, Strategic Category Management Expert:
    "Raffy helped me understand their business...very easy to work with."
    Fulfilling knowledge-sharing experience with Eric.

    Kadeem Hinton, MS, CFS, Food Scientist:
    "If passion and tenacity are what you're looking for, look no further."
    Inspiring journey in dedication with Kadeem.

    Ly Ung, Advisor:
    "A consummate professional and tireless learner...the best hire I have made."
    Ly's mentorship at Sambazon was a cornerstone in my growth.

    Mary Martinez (Morris), Balanced Financial Leader:
    "Raffy: responsible, dedicated, detail-oriented, passionate."
    Shaped my financial leadership under Mary's guidance.

Connect With Me:

CPG Founders & Stakeholders ready for transformative growth: Connect with me to align your financial strategies with integrity, support, and perseverance.

Rafael Garcia

Cribl

• Troubleshoot various IT issues for caucus members and staff which includes computers, printers, phones (desk/cellular) and hand held devices.
• Reimage various builds and deploy hardware while managing access control
• Provide assistance both remotely and in person
• Configure and support Apple, Android, and Windows smart devices
• Set up workstations for new employee and subsequent take-down and restock
• Analyze scan results and assess machine/environment risks
• Brainstorm mitigations and risk management processes
• Lead vulnerability management meetings with state 
agencies such as DPS, DOR, DEED and more.
• Facilitate tutorial and training sessions on tools, analytics
• Shepard and support the remediation progress with SME’s

Chief Technology Officer

Baidu, Inc.

• Utilize project management methodologies, tools and concepts for a personal project
• Demonstrate portfolio and contracting-process knowledge via a presentation to PM staff
• Shadow and assist IT service desk in resolving tickets 
• Review computer hardware, software and firmware components
• Discuss data storage practices, server architecture and network topology
• Serve as central hub for grants and sponsorship management, collaborating with and supporting several other staff members
• Lead in managing constituent data including assessing data quality and identifying data loss risks
• Develop and manage reports for Management Team and Board of Directors
• Support management of accounts receivable, including invoicing
• Assist finance and operations colleagues in regular financial reconciliations
• Collaborate with outsourced IT support to ensure staff technology needs are met

Senior Software Engineer

Bloomberg

• Act as Data Steward by implementing ongoing monthly data hygiene procedures and manage workflows to maintain data integrity.
• Assist client service staff on special projects (e.g. setting up travel, scheduling, catering)
• Troubleshoot and monitor new and changing technology for audio, video conferencing software, hardware and social networking applications.
• Managing the internship program which include recruitment, placement and program activities. 
• Maintain data hygiene for constituents and donors by organizing and cross-checking records between FileMaker and Salsa Labs.
• Team with Communications Director and database developer to improve system by adding features or resolving malfunctions.
• Provide in-person database trainings and created written tutorials for staff
• Help establish a diversity, equity and inclusion working group
• Maintain data hygiene for constituents and donors by organizing and cross-checking records between FileMaker and Salsa Labs. • Team with Communications Director and database developer to improve system by adding features or resolving malfunctions. • Provide in-person database trainings and created written tutorials for staff • Help establish a diversity, equity and inclusion working group

Software Engineer Internship

Highly motivated with a natural curiosity and career interest in information security. 
An organized individual with experience in project lifecycle methodologies, CRM/RDBMS management and vulnerability management. Works openly and proactively as an individual or team member. 
Composed with a good sense of humor in demanding situations.

taplio

The Battle

Rafael Garcia

Lavely Begum

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