Accounts Receivable Clerk

Network Finance; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance in Maitland, South Africa, is seeking an experienced Accounts Receivable Clerk to join a busy finance team. You will handle the full AR process from credit assessments and invoicing to payment allocation, reconciliations, collections and account administration.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, you will work on a high-volume environment, ensure accuracy, manage customer relationships, and provide regular reports on outstanding receivables.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Credit Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Accounts Receivable / Credit Control.
• Strong understanding of debtors, collections, credit assessments and account reconciliations.
• Experience working with Pastel, Sage X3 or a similar accounting system.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess the creditworthiness of new and existing customers and make recommendations regarding credit limits.
• Set, monitor and review customer credit limits based on financial information and payment history.
• Conduct daily credit checks using relevant credit information platforms.
• Upload and maintain all required customer documentation on debtor portals.
• Generate and distribute accurate customer invoices promptly.
• Monitor outstanding accounts and proactively follow up on overdue payments.
• Negotiate payment arrangements and settlements where required.
• Escalate problematic accounts and collection matters where standard processes are unsuccessful.
• Identify high-risk accounts and take appropriate action to minimise potential losses.
• Maintain professional communication and strong relationships with customers.
• Respond to customer queries relating to invoices, payments and account balances.
• Send statements, invoices and detailed customer ledgers as requested.
• Accurately record and allocate incoming payments against the correct invoices.
• Reconcile customer accounts and investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare monthly administration and interest charge schedules for invoicing.
• Update and maintain the daily Pastel invoice batch.
• Complete vendor forms and other customer documentation as authorised.
• Prepare contract cancellation letters for defaulting customers.
• Prepare documentation and paperwork for accounts requiring handover to collections or legal processes.
• Work closely with Finance, Sales and Legal teams regarding customer accounts, contractual risks and collections.
• Ensure all activities comply with company credit policies, accounting standards and relevant regulations.
• Assist with reviewing and improving credit and collection processes and implementing best practices.
• Assist with internal and external audits.
• Prepare regular reports on outstanding receivables, overdue accounts and collection activity.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting based on expected customer receipts.
• Provide general finance and administrative support as required by management.

Skills

Accounts Receivable

Credit Control

Customer service

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Accounting / Bookkeeping / Credit Management qualification

Tools

Pastel

Sage X3

Microsoft Excel

Job description

An exciting opportunity is available for a detail-oriented and results-driven Accounts Receivable Clerk to join a busy finance team.

Reporting to the Finance Manager, the successful candidate will take responsibility for the full accounts receivable function, from customer credit assessments and invoicing through to payment allocation, reconciliations, collections and account administration.

This role is based in Maitland.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess the creditworthiness of new and existing customers and make recommendations regarding credit limits.
• Set, monitor and review customer credit limits based on financial information and payment history.
• Conduct daily credit checks using relevant credit information platforms.
• Upload and maintain all required customer documentation on debtor portals.
• Generate and distribute accurate customer invoices promptly.
• Monitor outstanding accounts and proactively follow up on overdue payments.
• Negotiate payment arrangements and settlements where required.
• Escalate problematic accounts and collection matters where standard processes are unsuccessful.
• Identify high-risk accounts and take appropriate action to minimise potential losses.
• Maintain professional communication and strong relationships with customers.
• Respond to customer queries relating to invoices, payments and account balances.
• Send statements, invoices and detailed customer ledgers as requested.
• Accurately record and allocate incoming payments against the correct invoices.
• Reconcile customer accounts and investigate and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare monthly administration and interest charge schedules for invoicing.
• Update and maintain the daily Pastel invoice batch.
• Complete vendor forms and other customer documentation as authorised.
• Prepare contract cancellation letters for defaulting customers.
• Prepare documentation and paperwork for accounts requiring handover to collections or legal processes.
• Work closely with Finance, Sales and Legal teams regarding customer accounts, contractual risks and collections.
• Ensure all activities comply with company credit policies, accounting standards and relevant regulations.
• Assist with reviewing and improving credit and collection processes and implementing best practices.
• Assist with internal and external audits.
• Prepare regular reports on outstanding receivables, overdue accounts and collection activity.
• Assist with cash flow forecasting based on expected customer receipts.
• Provide general finance and administrative support as required by management.

Job Experience and Skills Required:

• Relevant qualification in Accounting, Bookkeeping, Credit Management or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in Accounts Receivable / Credit Control.
• Strong understanding of debtors, collections, credit assessments and account reconciliations.
• Experience working with Pastel, Sage X3 or a similar accounting system.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
• Ability to work accurately within a high-volume finance environment.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.