Credit and Collections Specialist

ROLE PURPOSE / MAIN JOB OBJECTIVE / MANDATE

The Credit & Collections Accountant is responsible for managing a portfolio of trade accounts receivable, ensuring timely cash collection in line with established payment terms, and managing credit risk in accordance with company policy. Key tasks include contacting customers with overdue accounts, applying cash receipts accurately and promptly, collaborating with sales, customer service, and operations to resolve discrepancies, and providing accurate and timely reports to management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to the company's credit and collections policy and monitor/manage credit risk effectively.
• Liquidity Management: Ensure the prompt and efficient collection and application of cash to outstanding debts, working closely with sales, customer service, and operations to address credit and collections issues.
• Reporting: Maintain comprehensive customer credit files with necessary documentation for credit decisions and prepare reports on credit and collections activities.
• Customer Service: Provide high-quality customer service by resolving account inquiries in a timely and professional manner, maintaining a positive company image.
• Business Partner: Act as a business partner for management teams, sales, customer service, and operations, delivering solid financial analysis to decision-makers.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with internal stakeholders, including sales, finance, operations, customer service, and IT, to ensure effective financial operations.
• Continuous Improvements: Develop and implement strategies to enhance the credit and collections process, supporting Lean initiatives and introducing innovative solutions to improve financial operations, reporting, and efficiency.

REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR JOB

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 2-3 years of high-volume collections or customer service experience.
• Fluency in English (speaking and writing).

REQUIRED SPECIFIC TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Outlook, Excel) and credit management software.
• Experience with ERP systems (such as Great Plains or SAP preferred).
• Ability to analyze financial statements effectively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of Lean Methodologies (Green Belt certification preferred).