Credit Analyst at The Dow Chemical Company

Job Description

The Dow Chemical Company is looking for motivated candidates interested in the position of Credit Analyst (m/f) to be based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Under the management and functional direction of the Regional CFS Manager for Middle East and Africa, the purpose of this job is to manage the credit risk of a portfolio of customer‘s trade accounts receivable. This includes evaluating customer's credit risk, optimizing the Company's exposure in customers' accounts receivable, protecting and enhancing the Company cash flow, contributing, supporting and influencing business strategies, and contributing to long term customer relationship and satisfaction.

Primary Responsibilities And Standards Of Performance

• Evaluate customer credit risk and set credit limits and risk categories. Understand different dimensions of credit risk (country, industry, customer) and identify and evaluate key external factors and industry conditions affecting credit risk.
• Manage customer credit risk including development / implementation of credit risk management instrument to extend credit and / or mitigate risk.
• Operate within Dow's Credit Policy and granted delegation of authority. Recognize exceptions to Credit Policy, communicate, negotiate (internally and externally) and seek approval.
• Discuss and review customers and portfolio credit risk assessment with the business and develop credit risk management strategy. Familiar with business strategies and contribute, support and influence them.
• Set accounts receivables objectives, goals and plans with business to be achieved in a yearly, quarterly basis in line with corporate and business strategies and goals.
• Formulate and apply procedures and control to optimize credit exposure, risk and collection performance. Monitor slow paying accounts and implement corrective actions.
• Review credit performance with business management on a regular basis and make recommendations to improve where appropriate.
• Keep informed about legislation affecting credit and collection activities. Active participation in trade credit associations and take leadership to influence industry to reduce financial risk and cost of carrying receivable. Maintain knowledge in the area of new laws and regulations which may influence the business.
• Supervise collection performance and customers complaints affecting credit following the Payment, Receipt and Handling process, working with customer service receivable specialist, pricing co-ordinators and customer service representatives to insure customer complaints and deductions are addressed expeditiously.
• Establish/develop credit training and continuing education programs by utilizing area colleges and universities along with trade associations to obtain educational programs, information and seminars.
• Monitor risk accounts to minimize loss and achieve maximum receivable turnover. Maintain personal contact with risk customers and help overcome difficulties by responding with helpful suggestions.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics.
• A Masters Degree or MBA would be an advantage.

Technical/Functional Knowledge

• Strong financial background including knowledge of financial markets, instruments and International credit.
• Ability to analyze complex financial statements and the economics of a business and / or industry.
• Very good understanding of macroeconomics, accounting, economic evaluation principles.
• Good people relation and negotiation skills including ability to influence and persuade others.
• Ability to work under pressure and deadlines.

Job Experience: Six to eight years of banking, corporate finance or credit finance.

Language skills: Full fluent in English

Computer skills: Microsoft Office, SAP

Management Diversity

This position has direct management over the single function of credit financing with a working awareness and productive interaction with the Business management, marketing and sales department. Individual will interact with business management, sales force, as well as customers throughout the Middle East, Africa and globally.

Human Relations

Individual must be persuasive in dealing with customers in obtaining financial information. Negotiate payments within agreed upon terms and in obtaining collateral/security where necessary. Ability to advise and assist customers, and contribute to long term customer relationship and satisfaction.

Mobility: The candidate must be mobile. Estimated travel time for business purposes is 15%

Problem Solving

Nature of Thinking

Thinking requires proactive identification and resolution of significant problems, establishing functional objective and evaluation of programs in effect.

Impact

The job directly impacts revenue, working capital (DSO) and economic profit by determining credit policies, strategies, credit limits and credit terms, supervising the Payment, Receipt and Handling process and the criteria for reacting to economic factors with the businesses. The responsibilities of this position in collaborating with sales and product marketing managers play a major role in deciding long-term customers plans.

Dow Offers

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits
• An annual variable pay program that rewards team and individual performance while sharing success across the company
• Employee stock ownership - and the commitment to long-term success that it brings
• On-going learning opportunities within a diverse, inclusive and rewarding work environment
• Career experiences that can span different Dow businesses and functions with opportunities for personal and professional growth
• The chance to work within a global company and interact with colleagues from around the world
• Opportunities that spark your imagination and ignite your passion to help others
• Dow supports a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment. We welcome talent regardless of background, age, gender, religion, disability and sexual orientation.