Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee Career Overview
As a Shipment Billing Coordinator, you play a vital role in the logistics and supply chain industry. Your primary responsibility centers around managing the billing processes related to shipments, which ensures that businesses maintain financial accuracy and operational efficiency.
Key aspects of your role include:
Invoice Management: You are responsible for generating and reviewing invoices associated with shipments. This includes verifying the details against shipping documents to ensure that charges accurately reflect the services provided.
Data Entry and Record Keeping: Your attention to detail in entering shipping and billing data into systems is essential. Accurate record-keeping contributes to effective audits and helps maintain financial integrity.
Collaboration with Departments: You interact with various departments, such as logistics, accounting, and customer service. Your ability to communicate effectively ensures that any discrepancies or issues are resolved promptly.
Dispute Resolution: Handling billing inquiries and disputes is a key part of your job. You work to address customer concerns and clarify any confusion regarding charges, which helps to maintain positive relationships with clients.
Reporting: Regularly preparing billing reports for management helps track performance metrics and identify trends in shipment costs. This information can be vital for budget planning and operational adjustments.
Your role is integral in ensuring that the financial aspects of shipping operations run smoothly, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of the organization. Through your efforts, you help businesses optimize their logistics processes and maintain customer satisfaction.
Shipment Billing Coordinator Salary in Tennessee
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 Tennessee
To become a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee, you typically need to meet specific educational qualifications and training requirements. Here are the recommended college degree programs that can provide a strong foundation for this career:
Accounting: A degree in accounting will equip you with essential knowledge of financial principles, billing practices, and auditing processes essential for managing shipment invoices and coordinating billing procedures.
Business Administration and Management: This program offers a broad understanding of business operations, including finance, management, and strategic planning, which are vital for overseeing shipment billing processes effectively.
Business Administration: A degree in business administration provides a comprehensive background in various business functions, including finance and operations, preparing you for the multifaceted responsibilities of a Shipment Billing Coordinator.
Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services: This curriculum focuses on administrative support and operational functions, enhancing your organizational skills and understanding of business operations that are necessary for billing coordination.
Logistics: A degree in logistics will familiarize you with supply chain management, transportation, and warehousing principles, all of which are important for understanding the costs and billing processes associated with shipment coordination.
In addition to these degree programs, pursuing relevant internships or entry-level positions in billing or logistics can help provide practical experience and further your understanding of the field.
Best Schools to become a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Attention to Detail: You must possess a keen eye for accuracy in billing statements, ensuring that all charges are correctly calculated and documented.
Analytical Skills: The ability to analyze shipping data, identify discrepancies, and resolve issues is essential for effective billing operations.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary to effectively interact with clients, vendors, and internal teams.
Organizational Skills: You should be highly organized, managing multiple accounts and invoices simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with billing software, database management systems, and spreadsheet applications is important to streamline processes and maintain accurate records.
Customer Service Orientation: Providing excellent service and support to clients regarding their billing inquiries is key to maintaining strong relationships.
Problem-Solving Skills: You will need the ability to identify problems in billing discrepancies and develop thoughtful solutions to address them.
Time Management: Efficiently managing your time and prioritizing tasks will enable you to complete all billing responsibilities in a timely manner.
Financial Acumen: Understanding basic accounting principles and financial terminology will enhance your effectiveness in handling billing-related tasks.
Regulatory Knowledge: Awareness of shipping regulations and compliance standards will inform your billing processes and help you avoid legal issues.
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 Tennessee
The job market for Shipment Billing Coordinators in Tennessee is currently favorable, reflecting a growing demand for professionals in logistics and supply chain management. Here are several key points to consider:
Increased Demand: As e-commerce continues to rise and businesses expand their distribution networks, the need for efficient shipment billing coordination has surged. Companies across various industries are actively seeking skilled individuals to ensure accurate billing processes and optimize their logistics operations.
Growth Potential: The logistics sector in Tennessee is experiencing significant growth. With the state being home to major transportation hubs and facilities, such as Memphis International Airport and the Port of Memphis, opportunities for Shipment Billing Coordinators are expected to increase over the next several years. This growth is bolstered by the expansion of local businesses and multinational corporations establishing operations in the area.
Geographical Hotspots: Certain regions in Tennessee present more opportunities for Shipment Billing Coordinators:
- Memphis: Known as a major logistics hub, Memphis offers a variety of positions in shipment billing due to its proximity to major transportation routes and distribution centers.
- Nashville: As the state's capital and a rapidly growing metropolitan area, Nashville is seeing an influx of companies that require shipment billing coordination to support their logistics needs.
- Chattanooga: This city is emerging as a logistics center, drawing in firms looking to enhance their supply chain capabilities, which increases demand for shipment billing professionals.
Industry Diversity: Shipment Billing Coordinators can find opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing, retail, transportation, and warehousing. The diverse nature of industries in Tennessee means more potential employers seeking your expertise.
Remote Work Opportunities: With the shift toward more remote work environments, some companies are offering remote positions for Shipment Billing Coordinators, thus broadening the job market and allowing for greater flexibility.
As you explore the job market as a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee, consider these factors to align your career goals with the most promising opportunities available in the state.
Top Related Careers to Shipment Billing Coordinator 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee
American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL)
- Website: ASTL
- Description: Offers education opportunities and certification programs that may benefit Shipment Billing Coordinators seeking to enhance their industry knowledge.
Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
- Website: CSCMP
- Description: Provides resources, networking opportunities, and industry developments relevant to those involved in logistics and shipment billing.
Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
- Website: TIA
- Description: This organization offers resources specifically for freight brokers and service providers, which includes information pertinent to billing and billing practices.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Website: BLS - Shipment Coordinators
- Description: Provides detailed information about job outlook, salary expectations, and working conditions for those in logistics and shipping roles.
FreightWaves
- Website: FreightWaves
- Description: Offers a variety of articles and insights regarding supply chain, logistics, and freight industry trends, which can be beneficial for keeping up with current billing practices.
Institute for Supply Management (ISM)
- Website: ISM
- Description: A resource for education and advocacy in supply chain management, offering a range of publications and resources that pertain to logistics and billing processes.
National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA)
- Website: NCBFAA
- Description: Provides resources related to customs brokerage and freight forwarding, which can intersect with shipment billing practices.
LinkedIn Learning
- Website: LinkedIn Learning
- Description: This platform offers various courses on logistics management, billing, and financial management, which can enhance your skills relevant to the position.
Local Community Colleges in Tennessee
- Description: Many community colleges offer courses or certificate programs in logistics and supply chain management. Check the websites of institutions such as:
Utilizing these resources can help deepen your understanding of the Shipment Billing Coordinator role and keep you informed of industry changes and opportunities for professional growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee
What are the primary responsibilities of a Shipment Billing Coordinator?
As a Shipment Billing Coordinator, your main duties include preparing and processing invoices for shipments, ensuring accuracy in billing, maintaining detailed records of transactions, resolving billing discrepancies, and communicating with clients and vendors regarding payment issues.What qualifications do I need to become a Shipment Billing Coordinator?
Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, although many employers prefer candidates with an associate degree or bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field. Relevant work experience in logistics, shipping, or finance can also be beneficial.What skills are important for a Shipment Billing Coordinator?
Key skills include strong attention to detail, excellent organizational abilities, proficiency in accounting software and spreadsheets, effective communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with shipping and logistics processes is also valuable.Is certification beneficial for a Shipment Billing Coordinator?
While not always required, obtaining relevant certifications, such as those offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) or the National Association of Purchasing Managers (NAPM), can enhance your qualifications and career prospects.What is the average salary for a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee?
The average salary for a Shipment Billing Coordinator in Tennessee can vary based on experience, location, and the size of the company. As of October 2023, you can expect an average salary ranging from $40,000 to $55,000 per year.What is the job outlook for Shipment Billing Coordinators?
The job outlook for Shipment Billing Coordinators is generally positive, as the growth of e-commerce and increased logistics activities in various industries contribute to a steady demand for professionals in this role.What types of companies hire Shipment Billing Coordinators?
You can find employment opportunities with shipping companies, logistics firms, warehouses, manufacturing companies, and retail businesses that require shipping and billing services.What is a typical work environment for a Shipment Billing Coordinator?
Most Shipment Billing Coordinators work in an office setting, often within a logistics or finance department. The work may involve extensive computer use, and you could spend time collaborating with other departments, such as shipping and customer service.Can Shipment Billing Coordinators work remotely?
Remote work options can vary by company. Some employers may offer flexible or hybrid work arrangements, while others may require a full-time on-site presence due to the nature of billing and shipping operations.What opportunities for advancement exist for Shipment Billing Coordinators?
With experience, you may advance to positions such as Billing Manager, Logistics Coordinator, or Accounts Receivable Manager. Continuing education or obtaining certifications can further enhance your chances for career progression.