Credit Manager Key Accounts, Private Label & Exports

SUMMARY:
Optimises cash flow, minimises bad debt risk, ensures efficient resolution of claims.

POSITION INFO:

Credit Manager Key Accounts Private Label & Exports

Shared Services / Finance
Accountable for quality, standards, service and desired outputs within inter-related functional areas of responsibility. May be responsible for the work of others. This role will work with various closely related concrete variables, requiring an understanding of the theory or practices underpinning inter-related functional processes. The role balances commercial growth support with effective credit risk management and cash flow optimisation.

Job Purpose
The purpose of the Credit Manager is to oversee the comprehensive management of accounts receivable for Key Accounts, Private Label and Exports, optimising processes, ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards, and supporting the achievement of the organisation's financial objectives. The role manages the credit control function across these portfolios, optimises cash flow, minimises bad debt risk, ensures efficient resolution of claims, and enforces the company's credit policy. It also involves resolving disputes, fostering strong relationships with key customers, and providing essential support to the AR Supervisor, while leading and developing a high-performing credit team that contributes to sustainable sales growth.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs
Credit Risk & Policy Management
Develop, maintain and enforce the company's credit policy and procedures across Key Accounts, Private Label and Exports.
Oversee credit assessments, limit approvals and ongoing risk monitoring of the debtor portfolio for all three portfolios.
Manage credit checks, new account openings and special payment arrangements to minimise financial risk.
Monitor credit exposure, portfolio risk and ensure compliance with the National Credit Act and internal controls.
Ensure accurate application of the National Credit Act across all managed accounts.
Monitor and review any special payment arrangements with customers.
Assess and maintain customer credit ratings and limits for Key Accounts, Private Label and Exports.

Accounts Receivable, Collections & Cash Flow Management
Lead and manage the end-to-end accounts receivable function for Key Accounts, Private Label and Exports, overseeing payments, collections and reconciliations.
Manage and effectively coordinate the processing of payments/collections and review of reconciliations.
Drive achievement of DSO targets, collection targets and reduction of overdue accounts across all portfolios.
Maintain the age analysis within the Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) target.
Oversee accurate payment allocation, reconciliations and month-end processes.
Ensure accounts are effectively monitored and maintained, including monthly audit reviews of debtor reconciliations.
Track and monitor performance of AR processes against KPIs and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Continuously review and identify gaps and opportunities for AR process optimisation.
Design and implement AR Policies and Standard Operating Procedures.

Automation of manual procedures and processes
Effectively resolve customer disputes in relation to payments owed.
Reconcile and manage foreign debtors, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of foreign payments (critical for Exports).
Output: Healthy cash flow, reduced debtor days and minimised bad debt.

Claims Management & Stakeholder Relationships
Ensure timely validation, processing and resolution of customer claims and disputes.
Build strong partnerships with Sales, Finance, Operations and key customers across Key Accounts, Private Label and Exports.
Collaborate with legal teams to discuss debt repayment terms and conditions where required.
Assist in managing complex documents related to customer master data for Key Accounts, Private Label and Exports.
Output: Efficient claims resolution and constructive commercial relationships.

General Operational & Financial Management
Actively participate in operational planning and budgeting processes.
Drive continuous improvement by streamlining and optimising relevant operational practices, processes and systems.
Automate manual procedures and processes.

Ensure adherence to operational and financial frameworks of practices, processes, standards and controls.
Control costs and take the necessary action to mitigate any financial risks or non-compliance. Consolidate standard reporting including cash forecasts and planning information for Key Accounts, Private Label and Exports.
Support the AR Supervisor and AR Manager with ad-hoc requirements.

Team Leadership, Reporting & Governance
Lead, coach and develop the credit control team; implement succession planning.
Deliver accurate month-end reports and insights on credit risk and cash flow.
Ensure audit readiness and continuous improvement of controls and processes.
Output: High-performing team, reliable reporting and strong governance.

Qualifications and Experience
BCom Degree (or equivalent) and/or Credit Management IV Diploma essential.
Minimum 8 years' experience in credit control, with at least 5 years in a management or supervisory role
Proven experience in FMCG or manufacturing environments preferred.
Strong proficiency in SAP (ECC/S4 HANA preferred) and advanced Microsoft Excel.
Sound knowledge of the National Credit Act and credit risk principles.
Engagement with multiple stakeholders in the business in order to support & deliver on objectives.
Experience building robust business processes.

Driving automation of manual processes.

Behavioural Competencies
Leadership & Collaboration