Finance Officer (Woodstock – Hybrid) at Datafin Recruitment

ENVIRONMENT:

• A dynamic EdTech company is seeking a Finance Officer which is a key role within their Finance and Operations team, reporting directly to the Financial Manager.
• The Finance Officer will be responsible for end-to-end accounts receivable management, credit control, cash flow monitoring, and general ledger maintenance. The role requires strong attention to detail, financial acumen and an ability to collaborate across functions to support business and compliance objectives.

DUTIES:

Accounts Receivable Management

• Oversee the full accounts receivable process, ensuring timely collection and allocation of customer payments.
• Allocate daily cash receipts and submit signed-off schedules to Customer Services/ Customer Relationship Manager (CRM).
• Conduct monthly reviews of overdue accounts and advise the Financial Manager of clients to be placed on hold, in collaboration with CRM.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing in coordination with the Customer Service team.
• Review and sign off weekly credit notes issued by Customer Relationship Manager.
• Distribute monthly statements to all customers post AR close.
• Follow up on overdue accounts and implement strategies to reduce bad debt risk.
• Identify and manage high-risk accounts in collaboration with Customer Relationship Manager.
• Reconcile customer accounts and prepare aged debtor reports for FM review.
• Maintain accurate, real-time updates of customer accounts for team access.
• Capture customer feedback in Cash Manager and supply monthly reports to Customer Relationship Manager and Finance Manager.
• Ensure record keeping aligns with internal protocols and POPIA compliance.

Credit Control

• Conduct credit risk assessments on new and existing customers, based on documented submissions from the Customer Services team.
• Recommend suitable credit limits for FM/FD approval and communicate outcomes to Customer Relationship Manager.
• Issue letters of demand in line with internal AR procedures.
• Assess accounts monthly for potential ITC listings.
• Monitor delinquent accounts and escalate critical cases for executive-level intervention.

Cash Management

• Set and monitor collection targets aligned to cash flow objectives.
• Submit weekly or monthly collection forecasts to the Financial Manager.
• Manage debtor days to optimise working capital efficiency.
• Review debtor refund requests and ensure all supporting documentation is in place prior to processing payments via FNB Online.

General Ledger and Reporting

• Perform balance sheet reconciliations and submit for FM review.
• Post monthly journals as required.
• Reconcile bank statements with ledger accounts each month.
• Prepare monthly AR reports and credit note summaries for FM and FD review.
• Provide ad hoc finance support to the Financial Manager as required.

Audit Preparation and Support

• Collate sampled AR documentation in collaboration with Customer Service and CRM.
• Prepare annual Expected Credit Loss (ECL) documentation for FM and FD sign-off.
• Act as liaison for finance-related audit queries and ad hoc requests.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum Qualifying Criteria:

• Financial diploma in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
• 2–3 years’ experience in a generalist finance role, including accounts receivable and credit control.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and accounting software, including Pastel.

Required Skills:

• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, and spreadsheet reporting (Advanced Excel advantageous).
• Excellent analytical, Organisational, and communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation.
• Fluent in isiXhosa or Zulu.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge and understanding of POPIA compliance.