Accounts Receivables Lead at Talented Recruitment Specialists

• A leading global retail marketing company based in La Mercy is seeking an experienced Accounts Receivable Lead to join their finance team.
• This role will focus on driving collections, managing cash flow, leading a small debtors team, and ensuring accurate, timely invoicing and payments while improving processes and customer relationships.

Responsibilities:
Team Management:

• Guide and support a small team of debtors clerks.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to junior team members.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Through effective planning, delegate tasks effectively and ensure workload is balanced within the team.

Credit Control and Collections:

• Oversee the entire AR process, from invoice generation to payment collection.
• Develop and implement credit control policies and procedures to minimise credit risk and optimise cash flow.
• Monitor customer credit limits and payment terms, flagging potential issues proactively.
• Perform credit and other checks on new and existing customers, ensuring the recoverability of future receipts.
• Ensure timely collection of payments and minimise outstanding debt.
• Proactively contact customers with overdue accounts and negotiate payment plans.
• Investigate and resolve customer queries and disputes promptly.
• Escalate complex issues to relevant stakeholders, such as sales or management.

Invoice Processing and Reconciliation:

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of customer invoices, identifying opportunities to accelerate invoicing.
• Collaborate with the sales and procurement teams ensuring timely processing of invoices.
• Review and verify invoices for accuracy and completeness.
• Ensure proper authorisation and adherence to company policies for all invoices.
• Match invoices to sales orders and supporting documentation.
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, escalating complex issues to the sales team or relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure accurate General Ledger (GL) allocations and dimensions for all AR transactions.
• Reconcile customer accounts regularly and resolve any discrepancies promptly.
• Review and sign off on the validity and accuracy of reconciliations.
• Prepare and submit customer statements regularly and timeously.
• Ensure timely upload of invoices and supporting documents to customer portals.
• Reconcile customer portals to our system ensuring accuracy on a monthly basis.

Customer Relationship Management:

• Assist with the preparation of customer applications, ensuring timely completion.
• Add new customers to the various systems once all requirements are met.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers.
• Proactively address and resolve complex or aged debtor queries.
• Collaborate with the sales team on clearing work completed but not invoiced and purchase order queries.
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding invoices, payments, and account status.
• Provide excellent customer service and ensure customer satisfaction.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Monitor and analyse key AR metrics, such as Debtor Age Analysis, DSO, and bad debt provision.
• Prepare and present regular reports on AR performance to management.
• Identify trends and areas for improvement in AR processes.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts for receipts.
• Assist in the collation of revenue forecast information.

Month-End Responsibilities:

• Ensure month-end close procedures are completed on time and error free.
• Prepare and post journal entries for revenue recognition and bad debt provisions.
• Prepare and post journal entries for client rebates and discounts.
• Reconcile AR sub systems and reports to the general ledger and trial balance.
• Reconcile non system schedules and reports to the trial balance.
• Prepare and analyse monthly AR ageing reports.
• Assist with other month-end reviews and queries as may be required.

Compliance and Process Improvement:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal controls.
• Assist in the preparation and submission of audit queries and files.
• Formulate policies and procedures to ensure timely collections.
• Drive automation and the application of best practices within the team.
• Identify opportunities to optimise AR processes and improve efficiency.
• Proactively identify and address challenges within the department, contributing to solutions and process improvements. This includes undertaking ad hoc tasks and projects as assigned or required, demonstrating flexibility and a strong commitment to supporting the overall success of the finance function.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (advantageous).
• Completed bookkeeping qualification.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar role.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices related to Accounts Receivable.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage X3), Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to ethical conduct.