Shipment Billing Coordinator in Montana Career Overview
As a Shipment Billing Coordinator, you play a vital role in the logistics and transportation industry, managing the financial aspects of shipment processes. Your responsibilities revolve around ensuring that all billing transactions related to shipments are accurately processed and recorded.
Key aspects of your role include:
Invoice Generation: You prepare and issue invoices to clients based on shipment details, ensuring that all charges are correctly applied.
Data Management: Maintaining and updating records of shipments and associated invoices is essential. You ensure that all data is precise and readily accessible for audits and inquiries.
Communication: You interact regularly with clients, freight carriers, and internal teams. Addressing billing inquiries and resolving discrepancies is a critical part of your job.
Compliance Awareness: Understanding and adhering to industry regulations and company policies regarding billing practices is necessary for maintaining operational integrity.
Cost Tracking: Monitoring shipping costs and identifying any variances allows you to assist in budget management and cost efficiency for your organization.
Reporting: You generate reports on billing activities and performance metrics, providing management with insights into financial aspects of shipments.
In this role, you help facilitate smooth financial operations within the supply chain, ensuring that shipments are billed correctly and that all parties remain satisfied with the billing processes. Your attention to detail and organizational skills contribute to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of logistics management.
Shipment Billing Coordinator Salary in Montana
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Montana
To become a Shipment Billing Coordinator, you should consider pursuing one or more of the following college degree programs:
Accounting: A degree in accounting provides you with a strong foundation in financial reporting, taxation, and auditing, which are essential for managing billing processes accurately.
Business Administration and Management: This program offers a broad understanding of business operations, including accounting, finance, marketing, and management, equipping you to handle various aspects of shipment billing.
Business Administration: Similar to Business Administration and Management, this degree focuses on core business principles, providing skills relevant to billing practices and general business operations.
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services: This degree often covers administrative functions, office management, and organizational skills, which are valuable in coordinating billing operations.
Logistics: A logistics degree focuses on supply chain management, transportation, and inventory control, giving you insights into the operational side of shipment processes and how they relate to billing.
These educational paths generally require completion of core coursework along with specialization in relevant areas. You may also consider internships or practical experiences to gain firsthand knowledge of billing practices within the shipping industry.
Best Schools to become a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Montana 2024
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Southern New Hampshire University
Western Governors University
Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs
Grand Canyon University
Liberty University
- Compile, compute, and record billing, accounting, statistical, and other numerical data for billing purposes.
- Prepare billing invoices for services rendered or for delivery or shipment of goods.
Shipment Billing Coordinator Required Skills and Competencies in Montana
Attention to Detail: You must meticulously review billing documents and shipment invoices to ensure accuracy and compliance with company policies.
Analytical Skills: The ability to assess financial data and resolve discrepancies is essential for maintaining accurate records and statements.
Organizational Skills: Efficiently managing multiple shipments and billing cycles requires excellent organizational skills to prioritize tasks effectively.
Communication Skills: Clear communication, both verbal and written, is vital for collaborating with team members and addressing client inquiries.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with finance and logistics software, as well as standard office applications, is necessary for managing billing processes and reports.
Problem-Solving Skills: You need sufficient analytical capabilities to identify issues in billing processes and implement effective solutions promptly.
Customer Service Orientation: Providing support and assistance to clients or other departments necessitates a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
Time Management: You will be tasked with meeting specific deadlines while handling multiple responsibilities, requiring proficient time management skills.
Knowledge of Shipping Regulations: Understanding relevant laws and regulations that impact billing and shipping practices ensures compliance and mitigates risks.
Team Collaboration: Working effectively with warehouse, logistics, and finance teams is essential for ensuring seamless billing processes.
Job Duties for Shipment Billing Coordinators
Prepare itemized statements, bills, or invoices and record amounts due for items purchased or services rendered.
Resolve discrepancies in accounting records.
Verify accuracy of billing data and revise any errors.
Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Sage 50 Accounting
Medical software
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Basic Skills
- Reading work related information
- Using math to solve problems
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Shipment Billing Coordinator in Montana
The job market for Shipment Billing Coordinators in Montana presents a mixture of steady demand and growth potential, reflecting broader trends in logistics and transportation sectors.
Demand: The demand for Shipment Billing Coordinators is consistent, particularly due to the expanding logistics and shipping industries in Montana. As businesses continue to grow and require more sophisticated logistics operations, the need for professionals who can manage billing and shipping details effectively remains strong.
Growth Potential: The logistics sector in Montana has been experiencing growth, driven by the increase in e-commerce and a rise in local manufacturing. This trend indicates a positive trajectory for Shipment Billing Coordinators. As companies seek to streamline operations and improve accuracy in billing processes, job opportunities in this field are expected to increase.
Geographical Hotspots:
Billings: As Montana’s largest city, Billings serves as a hub for distribution and logistics. The presence of notable transportation companies and a growing business environment creates numerous opportunities for Shipment Billing Coordinators.
Missoula: This city has a vibrant economy with an increasing number of businesses involved in manufacturing and distribution, which contributes to the demand for billing coordinators.
Great Falls: The city is strategically located and home to several logistics companies. Its proximity to major transportation routes enhances its position as a key area for shipment-related jobs.
Butte: With a growing base of businesses in various industries, Butte offers potential for Shipment Billing Coordinators, particularly as companies expand their operations.
Bozeman: Known for its thriving economy and entrepreneurial spirit, Bozeman is becoming an attractive location for businesses that require efficient logistics processes, further driving demand for shipment billing professionals.
Overall, the job market for Shipment Billing Coordinators in Montana is characterized by stable demand and emerging growth opportunities across several key cities.
Top Related Careers to Shipment Billing Coordinator 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Montana
Occupational Outlook Handbook
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLS - Shipment Billing Coordinator
This resource provides a general overview of the occupation, including job duties, education, and wage projections.American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL)
ASTL
This organization offers professional development opportunities, certifications, and networking for individuals in logistics, which can be beneficial for Shipment Billing Coordinators.Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
ISM
Offers a range of resources including articles, webinars, and certifications that can enhance your understanding of supply chain management, billing, and logistics operations.National Association of Credit Management (NACM)
NACM
Provides education, certification programs, and resources for credit and finance professionals, which are relevant for understanding billing processes in shipments.Freight Brokers Association
FBA
A great resource for training and networking with professionals in freight brokerage, which often intertwines with shipment billing practices.Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
TIA
Focuses on education, training, and resources for professionals involved in the freight brokerage and logistics industry.Job Posting Websites
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- LinkedIn Jobs
These platforms allow you to search for Shipment Billing Coordinator positions, understand the skills employers are looking for, and gain insights into salary ranges in Montana.
Local Community Colleges and Universities
Many institutions in Montana offer courses related to logistics, accounting, and supply chain management. Be sure to check the curriculums of institutions like the University of Montana and Montana State University for relevant programs.Montana Department of Labor and Industry
MDLI
This department provides resources and information on workforce development, job training, and employment statistics relevant to the logistics sector in Montana.Books and Publications
- “The Complete Guide to Shipment and Billing Management”
- “Logistics and Supply Chain Management” by Martin Christopher
These publications can deepen your understanding of shipment billing mechanisms and best practices in the industry. Check local libraries or online bookstores for availability.
Explore these resources to advance your knowledge and skills as a Shipment Billing Coordinator and to stay updated on industry trends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shipment Billing Coordinator in Montana
What are the primary responsibilities of a Shipment Billing Coordinator?
As a Shipment Billing Coordinator, you are responsible for preparing and processing invoices, ensuring accuracy in billing, tracking shipments, and resolving discrepancies. You also coordinate with shipping and logistics teams to facilitate timely invoicing and feedback on invoice-related issues.What skills are essential for this role?
Key skills include attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, proficiency in accounting software, and effective communication skills. Familiarity with shipping and logistics processes is also beneficial.What educational background is required to become a Shipment Billing Coordinator?
A high school diploma is typically required, though an associate's or bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or business administration can enhance your qualifications. Coursework in logistics and supply chain management may also be advantageous.What is the typical salary range for a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Montana?
Salaries for Shipment Billing Coordinators in Montana can vary based on experience and the specific employer, generally ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 annually. Benefits and bonuses can also affect overall compensation.Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
Yes, there are opportunities for advancement. With experience, you can move into supervisory roles, such as Billing Supervisor or Account Manager, or transition into other areas such as logistics management or financial analysis.What software tools should I be familiar with?
Familiarity with accounting and billing software, such as QuickBooks or SAP, is vital. Knowledge of shipping management systems and Microsoft Excel is also beneficial for data management and analysis.Is prior experience in logistics necessary?
While prior experience in logistics is not always required, it can be helpful. Understanding the logistics process will enable you to perform your billing duties more effectively and address inquiries or issues more confidently.How does the role of a Shipment Billing Coordinator differ from other billing roles?
The Shipment Billing Coordinator focuses specifically on billing related to transportation and logistics. Unlike general billing roles, it involves additional layers of understanding shipment processes and rates, often requiring communication with carriers and logistics providers.What are the typical working hours for this position?
Most Shipment Billing Coordinators work full-time, typically following a standard 40-hour workweek. However, hours may vary based on the company’s operational needs, and you might need to accommodate busy shipping seasons or deadlines.What are the biggest challenges faced in this role?
Common challenges include managing high volumes of invoices during peak seasons, ensuring accuracy to avoid billing disputes, and staying updated with changing shipping regulations and costs. Effective time management and communication are crucial in overcoming these challenges.