Debtors Clerk

SUMMARY:
Our client is a leader in delivering innovative engineering solutions. The company is committed to providing high-quality services and operational excellence in the region. With a strong presence in the industry, they focus on maintaining high standards and fostering a collaborative work environment.

POSITION INFO:

Requirements:

•             Grade 12

•             Relevant Diploma / Degree in Finance, Accounting or a related field preferred.

•             Computer literacy, especially Excel.

•             Familiarity with accounting software.

•             Experience with SAGE X3 preferred.

•             Min. 4+ years’ experience.

Experience:

Accounts Receivable & Collection Management

•             Proactively follow up on outstanding invoices and collect aging debt in a professional, courteous, and assertive manner.

•             Allocate incoming customer payments (EFTs, credit cards, deposits) accurately against corresponding invoices in the ERP system.

•             Generate and distribute accurate monthly statements to clients within strict deadlines.

•             Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with debtors to facilitate smooth collection processes.

Credit Control & Risk Mitigation

•             Assess and process credit applications for new customers, including performing credit checks and trade reference verifications.

•             Recommend credit limit adjustments or accounts to be placed "on hold" based on payment behaviour.

•             Investigate and resolve customer queries, billing discrepancies, and short payments promptly.

•             Prepare monthly age analysis reports and highlight high-risk accounts to the Finance Manager.

Administration & Reconciliation

•             Perform daily and monthly reconciliations of the accounts receivable sub-ledger to the general ledger.

•             Process credit notes, journal entries, and bad debt write-offs strictly in accordance with approved company policies.

•             Maintain organized, audit-ready digital and physical archives of all credit applications, statements, and correspondence.

•             Liaise closely with internal sales, operations, and broader finance teams to resolve billing disputes.

Knowledge & Skills:

•             Financial & Accounting Principles: A solid understanding of basic bookkeeping, credit control procedures, and general ledger flows.

•             Advanced Computer Literacy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel (e.g., VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data sorting for age analysis).

•             ERP Software Knowledge: Familiarity with accounting software platforms. Direct, hands-on experience with Sage X3 is highly preferred.

•             Negotiation & Assertiveness: The ability to professionally but firmly negotiate payment terms and resolve challenging collection conversations.

•             Analytical Ability: Strong numerical aptitude to spot transactional errors, reconcile accounts, and resolve complex ledger variances.

Personal Competencies:

•             High level of integrity and accountability when handling sensitive financial data.

•             Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to zero-defect data capturing.

•             Superb time management skills with the ability to meet tight month-end cut-offs.

•             Ability to work productively under pressure and handle customer disputes calmly and professionally.