Duties and Responsibilities:
Accounts Receivable (AR) Management:
- Oversee the entire accounts receivable process, including invoicing, collections, credit approvals, and cash application.
- Monitor and manage customer accounts, ensuring timely payments and maintaining appropriate credit limits.
- Conduct regular aging analysis and prepare AR performance reports for management.
- Resolve escalated disputes related to billing, credit terms, and payment discrepancies.
- Develop and implement policies to optimize AR turnover, reduce overdue receivables, and minimize bad debts.
Accounts Payable (AP) Management:
- Supervise the accounts payable process, ensuring timely and accurate processing of vendor invoices and payments.
- Review and approve payment runs, ensuring compliance with payment terms and company policies.
- Manage vendor relationships, addressing payment-related inquiries and disputes effectively.
- Perform regular AP aging analysis and maintain accurate records of liabilities.
- Establish internal controls to prevent duplicate payments and detect potential fraud.
SAP System Oversight:
- Act as the subject matter expert for SAP modules related to AR and AP, ensuring efficient and accurate financial transactions.
- Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot SAP systems to meet the needs of the accounting department.
- Train and mentor team members on SAP functionalities and ensure consistent system utilization.
- Collaborate with IT and SAP consultants to implement upgrades, system enhancements, and process automation.
- Generate custom SAP reports and dashboards to provide actionable insights into AR and AP performance metrics.
Process Improvement and Internal Controls:
- Analyze current AR and AP workflows and identify opportunities for process improvement using SAP capabilities.
- Develop and implement policies, procedures, and controls to enhance efficiency and accuracy in AR and AP operations.
- Ensure alignment of AR and AP processes with accounting standards, company policies, and regulatory requirements.
- Integrate SAP systems with other financial tools and third-party applications to streamline operations.
Team Leadership and Coordination:
- Lead, train, and supervise the AR and AP teams to achieve departmental goals.
- Assign tasks and monitor team performance, ensuring compliance with deadlines and accuracy in deliverables.
- Foster collaboration between AR, AP, and other departments such as sales, purchasing, and finance.
- Encourage a culture of accountability and continuous learning within the team.
Reporting and Compliance:
- Prepare and present AR and AP reports, including cash flow forecasts, aging summaries, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Support internal and external audits by providing accurate and timely documentation of AR and AP processes.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards (e.g., IFRS or GAAP) and regulatory requirements.
Strategic Initiatives and Support:
- Partner with senior management to align AR and AP strategies with overall business objectives.
- Provide financial insights to support decision-making related to cash flow, working capital, and vendor/customer management.
- Lead initiatives to adopt best practices and emerging technologies in AR, AP, and SAP processes.
Qualifications:
Educational Background:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
Work Experience:
- At least 5 years of experience as an Accounting Manager or Accounts Receivable Manager or Supervisor, preferably in an FMCG or fast paced environment.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in accounting software and systems, with experience in SAP system being an advantage.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data accurately.
- Excellent report writing and financial documentation skills.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with team members, management, and external stakeholders.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with diverse teams.
Attention to Detail:
- A keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy in financial transactions and reporting.
- High level of precision and thoroughness in handling accounts receivable processes.
Management and Leadership:
- Strong time management skills to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines.
- Proven experience in leading and supervising teams, with the ability to motivate and manage personnel.
Problem-Solving Abilities:
- The ability to work independently while addressing complex challenges and resolving discrepancies efficiently.
- A proactive mindset to identify and implement improvements in AR processes.
Additional Skills:
- Experience in retail sales or a similar fast-paced environment is preferred.
- Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and evolving business setting.