Accounts Receivable Administrator at Pearson

To achieve continuous improvement in debt management and achieve results that are aligned with the objectives of the business. To implement group policies with regards to opening of new accounts, and the security and maintenance of customers’ master file data. Ensure there is clear compliance with all relevant legislation (including but not limited to NCA,CPA and POPI) and group policies. Be indirectly responsible for limiting the risk to bad debt exposure.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement an effective and professional credit control process for the business.
• Implement the policies of the group with regards to the granting of credit to customers.
• Ensure all customers applying for credit are benchmarked against independent third party information and that appropriate credit terms and limits are requested.
• Open new customer accounts in accordance with policy and send confirmation letters.
• Give priority to new account applications and follow up regularly on any missing information, keep customer and Customer Services informed at all times.
• Do not delay customer pro forma orders, check pro forma orders and payments on a regular basis, liaise with customers and Customer Services immediately if orders cannot be released.
• Verify all new account information on the credit application form – telephone numbers, business address, that the application form is signed, surety is obtained and witnessed, etc.
• Maintain accurate and complete customer files with all supporting documentation.
• Update customers’ master file information, including credit terms and limits, efficiently and accurately, as and when necessary.
• Assist in the implementation and maintenance of accounting policies and procedures.
• Communicate daily issues to the team by proactively exchanging relevant information.
• Escalate problem customers to the Team Lead as appropriate.
• Work closely with and assist the Collections and Process team.
• Assist Team Lead and the Head of Receivables with special projects.
• Communicate with customers (via phone, fax or email) regarding status of credit granting.
• Manage and efficiently plan own work.
• Be part of a positive and collaborative team environment by setting own goals and regularly reviewing the achievement of own goals.
• Ensure effective dissemination of relevant information to team members.
• Promote the corporate values through active participation in the corporate initiatives.
• Ensure training and development plan is in place and it is complied with.

Core competencies: Functional

• The ideal candidate is excited about being part of a dynamic team.
• You love teamwork and are willing to go the extra mile in order to achieve your and the team and department’s goals.
• Ability to recognise potential risks to the business that should be escalated.
• Solid working knowledge of accounts receivable.
• Must be capable of handling multiple responsibilities concurrently.
• Skills in planning and organizing to prioritize various tasks.
• Confident with good communication skills, and a have a business-oriented mind.
• Ability to be flexible, able to meet various deadlines.
• Strong organisational & time management skills.
• Ability to research, investigate and resolve problems.
• Number-literate and have good team interaction skills with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Driven by results and is target driven.
• Ability to work in a team as well as individually.
• Sound decision making.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent in Word and Excel and a polite but tenacious telephone manner.

Core competencies: Leadership

Leading Self

• Always learning: Discusses data, key industry trends and conditions and understands the implications for their own business area. Welcomes new ways of doing things. Acts on feedback to assess strengths and weaknesses.
• Courageous: Asserts opinions on issues. Is willing to make decisions even when there is ambiguity or uncertainty. Recognises conflict and names the issues.
• Ethical: Is guided by a clear moral compass to act with integrity and fairness; treats people honestly and with compassion regardless of level, personality or background. Identifies and escalates ethical issues. Follows through on commitments.
• Determined: Sets high standards of performance for self and others. Creates a sense of urgency to achieve results. Persists in the face of obstacles or setbacks, remaining calm and in self control.

Leading the Business

• Customer focused: Identifies and responds to customer requirements, expectations and needs. Encourages feedback from customers to continually improve products and services in line with the brand. Aims to exceed customer expectations.
• Transformational: Demonstrates active support for change initiatives. Changes own behaviour and actions to align with change initiatives. Embraces rather than resists change.
• Strategic and visionary: Demonstrates an understanding of the organisation’s mission and strategies. Works to clarify and understand the global purpose and mission for own work. Integrates and balances big picture concerns with day to day activities.
• Innovative: Generates innovative ideas and solutions to problems. Finds ways to extend and apply innovative ideas to enhance business results.

Leading Others

• Develop: Offers others support and help, and willingly shares own knowledge and expertise. Owns their development and encourages a two way process with whom they report to. Offers helpful suggestions to support others’ development. Offers constructive feedback to others to support their development.
• Inspirational : Projects a positive image and serves as a role model for other’s performance. Is flexible across a wide range of situations. Demonstrates energy and a sense of ownership and commitment to the organisation.
• Relationship-builder: Actively collaborates with others, within and across groups around the world. Appropriately involves others in decisions and plans that affect them. Listens carefully and attentively to others’ opinions and ideas.
• Makes it happen: Takes personal responsibility to make decisions and take action. Works hard to achieve goals that support strategic priorities. Holds self accountable for meeting assigned goals.

Experience
Qualifications

• Has been part of a small Receivables team in an international business.
• At least 3 years experience in evaluating the risk that customers pose from a credit perspective.
• Working in a large global operation dealing with a matrix organisation.
• Demonstration of a successful track record.
• Working in both product and service based organisations; ideally some of this in education.
• Bookmaster knowledge would be advantageous.
• Qualifications Credit Management Diploma II or equivalent qualification