Credit Controller

Role Overview

The Credit Controller is responsible for managing collections and credit oversight for a designated portfolio of corporate client accounts, ensuring payments are received promptly according to established credit agreements while fostering strong, professional relationships with clients. This position acts as the primary contact for resolving billing disputes and payment inconsistencies, collaborating closely with Sales and Traffic departments to find mutually agreeable solutions. Additionally, the role involves accurately reconciling accounts in JDE, guaranteeing timely invoicing and statement issuance, and actively working to minimize the company’s Days Sales Outstanding by vigilant account monitoring and proactive follow-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and nurture positive, professional rapport with key customers to encourage timely payments and resolve disputes amicably.
• Serve as the primary contact for escalated customer account challenges, ensuring prompt payment while maintaining strong business connections.
• Investigate and address billing disputes or discrepancies in collaboration with customers, Traffic, and Sales teams.
• Communicate effectively with clients regarding overdue invoices and negotiate payment plans when necessary.
• Encourage early dispute resolution to prevent legal complications.
• Maintain detailed records of all customer interactions related to credit and collection activities.
• Collect debts from assigned customers within the agreed credit terms.
• Keep assigned customer accounts current, reconciled, and accurately aligned with customer ledgers.
• Ensure payment details are correctly collected and allocated within JDE to maintain accurate Statements of Account.
• Guarantee timely invoice and statement of account delivery to corporate customers, keeping proof of delivery on file.
• Verify all invoices are generated and migrated correctly into JDE without omissions.
• Take necessary actions to reduce the company's Days Sales Outstanding by diligent monitoring of customer accounts.
• Maintain regular communication with customers to follow up on collections and resolve any disputes or queries in the company's best interest.
• Report on defaulting customers to relevant Sales executives, Corporate Heads, and Credit Controllers, and pursue resolution.
• Recommend account blocking and vehicle repossession to Credit Control or Head of Corporate when required.
• Maintain records of customers advised for vehicle repossession and follow up with Sales Managers on actions taken.
• Provide account clearance for new leasing orders or escalate issues to the Credit Controller when clearance cannot be granted.
• Perform additional duties as assigned or initiated personally.

Skills and Qualifications

• Between 5 to 8 years of substantial experience in credit control, collections, or related financial roles, preferably within a B2B or corporate customer context.
• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a closely related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in credit control procedures and practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills combined with persuasive negotiation abilities.
• Analytical thinker with a keen eye for detail and effective people management skills.
• Proficiency with financial software platforms and advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing credit control activities.