Assistant Accountant Receivable Manager at Danone

ABOUT THE JOB

• Assist the AR Manager in leading the AR team to function efficiently, compliant and timely customer invoice to cash-in and cash out, with permanent focus on application of AR processes and good conduct for Danone and Nutricia. 
• Contribute to cash optimization and ensure proper execution of payment terms.
• Meet the timeliness and quality of the monthly AR & TTM Reporting and correctness of reports thereof.
• Managing the credit granting process, TTM process including the consistent application of a credit policy, approval and processing of credit notes.
• Strong focus on the Nutcia debtors book and the DSA Export book.

Champion the consolidation of Audit process from request to submission.

• Ensure compliance to AR Strategy and Planning KPIs to monitor and improve the efficiency of the Order to Invoice process.    
• Ensure adherence to AR KPIs to improve the efficiency of the Order to Invoice process (owned by the business) and the Invoice to Cash or Payment process (owned by the AR, Cash Collectors, TTM & Risk teams). Focus on the root of claims to solve them and in the resolution process to have a correct and clean AR balance.
• Drive change as agreed with AR Manager and lead the implementation of best practice
• Support in the cash forecast: Support FBU in Cash Forecast with organic cash generation, risk and opportunities assessment

Ensure the control of credit risk with the customers.

• Manage that solvency checks are done by the Risk Controller and if necessary, credit insurances.
• Guarantee an effective internal control system in the O2C and TTM process
• Partner with AR Manager in taking responsibility for maintaining the average level of days of sales outstanding targets
• Take accountability for driving maintenance and reduction of the level of 90 days plus outstanding
• As part of credit management, monitor acceptable level of bad debt write-offs
• Liaise with Team Leaders on timeous escalation of credit issues to the Sales teams for resolution

Month end and Reporting

• Ensure that cash allocations are captured in the correct period
• Timeously closure of the AR books and revenue recognition
• Provisions are adequate and supported
• Consolidate standard weekly and monthly reports on behalf of the team (Credit sales, Cash sales, DSO, Legal book, Provisions, Claims etc.)

Relationship Building

• Establish and maintain customer satisfaction and appropriate customer relationships externally
• Ensure cross-functional co-operation through maintenance of constructive relations between departments (CBU Business Planning, Sales and Supply Chain)

Drive individual and team performance improvement

• Co-leadership within the teams to deliver company targets and objectives as well as internal KPI’s
• Continuous management and motivation of the team
• Conduct internal performance management and IDP processes fairly and consistently, resulting in transparent succession planning and specific development areas
• Facilitate the setting of team objectives and provide guidance as needed
• Mentor and coach team members, as required
• Ensure appropriate training and development of Debtors Department to improve skills and customer service levels

Projects and Enhancements

• Take co-responsibility for the quality of the systems and processes within the department, and implement changes as required
• Support in all AR efficiency projects
• Contribute to lead finance projects

In Command in AR Management, Cash collection, Risk and TTM systems

• Support the AR, Cash collectors, Risk and TTM clerks where necessary with customer invoice processing, customer payments, query resolution and deductions. Oversee their work to ensure proper review and compliance

Manage UPD (Nutricia & Export Book)

• Manage & implement AR (full collection) process to improve Nutricia debtor’s book
• Ensure control compliance
• Have a high level of understanding of internal policies and procedures
• Ensure approval levels are adhered to
• Be a controls champion, escalate issues of non-compliance and process failures 
• Evaluate integrity of accounts, legal names, grouping, etc and suggest appropriate changes
• Perform any task that management deems suitable and fair to allocate to you
• This is the core function that may require working from the company premises

ABOUT YOU

Qualification(s):

• Accounting Degree or (studying towards)

Experience and Skills:

• 5 Years’ management experience in FMCG
• Experience with Electronic data interchange, automation/digitilization projects
• A working knowledge of credit-related law
• Proficient in MS Office: Excel, Work, Outlook, PowerPoint
• Assertive and firm when necessary
• Excellent communication skills
• Well-developed problem-solving and analytical capabilities
• Attention to detail
• A developed service mindset, demonstrating initiative and a proactive nature
• Action-oriented
• Goal-oriented
• Qualitative and timely decision-making capability
• Team Player
• Negotiation
• Comfortable with make decisions
• Interacting with Exco and Senior Management

Reason for Essential qualification & Skills:

• Critical role
• Diverse team

State specific complexities within the role:

• Fast pace environment
• Large team