Meet Matthew Forst, Billing Associate

When did you start at S-NET Communications and what is your primary role here?

I started working at S-Net as a Billing Associate one year ago! Time sure does fly by! In my role, I primarily assist with day-to-day billing, accounts receivable, credit card expenses, expense reporting, and commission calculations.

Where did you work before starting at S-NET?

Before joining S-Net, I was at RealPage for five years where I had a few different roles that revolved around utility billing and accounting for multifamily housing. In addition, I had an accounting role with Contelligent for two years, which is a company that specializes in waste monitoring analytics.

What made you choose this career path and what is your educational background?

I received my Associates Degree from the College of DuPage and Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University. Working with numbers is so satisfying to me. I enjoy determining why an account is out of balance or how to make better decisions based on what the data says.

How often do you interact with clients and what is the most rewarding aspect of working with them?

I interact with clients throughout the day. The most rewarding part is when I get clear up any confusion a client may have, as well as process account updates on the their behalf. I take pride in helping! It makes S-NET a company that is easy to do business with.

What do you enjoy most about your work in general?

It is fulfilling to have ownership over major tasks and consistently keep those running as smoothly as possible. It’s also enjoyable to improve the processes in place today and work closely with colleagues that have the same mindset and drive.

What are the most challenging aspects of your work?

The biggest challenge is when multiple tasks have close deadlines. There are busier times of the month, where much work needs to get done. During those times, it is nice to be with an awesome team where everyone helps each other out where they can.

What have been your favorite S-NET projects/tasks so far?

I was tasked with reconciling discrepancies in account balances between the billing system vs the accounting system. This project improved my ability to spot patterns and more easily identify where something went wrong.

Which accomplishment/s are you the proudest of?

I’m proud of how much I have learned in just the one year with S-NET, specifically with billing. Since I have started with S-NET, there have been all sorts of projects which span almost every function in the billing system, and it is fulfilling to lean how it all ties together.

How has S-NET helped you grow as a professional?

My manager has expanded my role so that I get to do a little bit of everything with budgeting, commissions, expenses, etc. That I did not get to do with the previous companies I worked for. At S-NET, I am constantly learning something new.

What exciting projects are you most looking forward to at S-NET?

The next big project on the horizon is migrating from QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online. It is exciting because once the migration is completed, processes will be more simplified and there will be more cohesion between the billing system and QuickBooks.

What do you enjoy the most about working here, with this team?

S-NET has many free thinkers that come from differing backgrounds, which leads to captivating conversations. I would describe the company culture as a work hard/judgement-free zone, and that is something that is enjoyable to be a part of.

How do you unwind after a long day at the office?

After a long day, I enjoy spending time with my family. Being outdoors, going on walks and long bike rides helps me to rejuvenate.

How do you like to spend your free time? What activities, films, books, shows, sports, etc. do you enjoy?

I try to be outside as much as possible when i’m not in the office. Hiking, biking, etc. We often watch comedy TV shows, and my wife’s favorite is Impractical Jokers. We also enjoy video gaming and have very competitive Tetris battles. Basketball is my favorite sport to both watch and play.

What exciting things have happened in your life recently?

Five months ago, I became a Dad, which brings a new kind of excitement to every day.

What exciting plans are you looking forward to?

We are visiting my mother and father-in-law in September. They live in Florida by the Gulf of Mexico, so  we are very excited to relax on the beach with family.

What is one thing most of your coworkers and clients don’t know about you?

I previously used to break down sports film (primarily basketball, but some lacrosse and football too). I was considered one of the best indexers with that company and got the chance to do major basketball tournaments and spotlight games.