Credit Controller at University of Western Cape

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

• We are seeking an experienced and proactive Credit Controller to join our dynamic Student Credit Management team. In this role, you will be responsible for the efficient collection of student fees and the effective management of student debt, ensuring full compliance with university policies, statutory obligations, and payment arrangements.
• The ideal candidate brings hands-on experience in the higher education debt collection environment, is confident driving high-volume telephonic collections, and is comfortable working across debt management, debit order, and payroll-deduction systems. Reporting to the Specialist Student Debtors. 

Key Responsibilities:

Student Debt Collection:

• Engage with students, parents, sponsors, and walk-in clients via telephone, email, and face-to-face interactions to collect outstanding fees.
• Conduct high-volume outgoing telephone calls to conclude settlements and payment plans, and to follow up on defaulted payment arrangements.
• Use the Excalibur Debt Management System to view data, capture payment arrangements, and record follow-up actions.

Account Management & Reconciliation:

• Reconcile student accounts and facilitate financial clearance during registration periods.
• Capture and process RealPay Debi Check payment mandates, debit order documentation, and Persal salary deduction arrangements to maintain accurate records.

Payment Defaults & Settlement Arrangements:

• Monitor payment defaults and follow up promptly and consistently to resolve outstanding debts.
• Negotiate and process settlement arrangements and payment plans in line with standard operating procedures.

Reporting & Liaison:

• Prepare regular reports on collection performance.
• Liaise with internal departments (staff, faculties, Student Representative Council) and external contacts (sponsors, parents, potential students, vendors) to ensure seamless debt management.

System and Process Enhancements:

• Support new system initiatives (e.g., Google Suite applications, Excalibur system upgrades) to minimise paperwork and streamline the collection process.

Minimum Requirements

• A relevant National Diploma or equivalent qualification at NQF 6.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience in consumer credit control and debt collection.

Key Competencies & Skills:

• Demonstrated experience using the Excalibur Debt Management System, or similar debt management tools.
• Demonstrated experience with RealPay Debi Check payment processing, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience processing Persal salary deductions, or similar.
• Demonstrated experience conducting high-volume outgoing telephone calls to conclude settlements and payment plans, and following up on defaulted payment arrangements.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and telephone skills, with a demonstrated ability to sustain high call volumes.
• High attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Proficiency in using modern financial and student debt management systems.
• Sound critical thinking, negotiation, and decision-making capabilities.
• Strong query management and resolution ability.
• Higher education experience will be an advantage.

Closing Date

• 7/10/2026