Collections Accountant

2Roads; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A Finance organization in South Africa is seeking a motivated Collections Accountant to enhance cash flow and manage outstanding debts. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience in collections. Successful applicants will negotiate with customers while maintaining positive relationships, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with credit policies. The role offers professional development opportunities within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of proven experience in collections, accounts receivable, or credit control.
• Strong track record of meeting collection targets and reducing outstanding debt.
• Understanding of credit legislation and debt collection best practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist accounts receivable department with overdue accounts.
• Negotiate payment plans with customers to recover debts.
• Monitor aging reports and prioritize collection activities.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Negotiation skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Organizational abilities

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field

Tools

Sage

SAP

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Collections Accountant to join our Finance team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for working hand-in-hand with our accounts receivables department, collecting outstanding debts, and maintaining positive customer relationships while ensuring optimal cash flow for the organization.

Responsibilities

• Assist accounts receivable department and follow up on overdue customer accounts through phone, email, and written communication
• Negotiate payment plans and settlement arrangements with customers to recover outstanding debts
• Monitor aging reports, prioritize collection activities, and escalate problematic accounts when necessary
• Assess customer creditworthiness, process credit applications, and recommend appropriate credit limits
• Reconcile customer accounts, resolve payment discrepancies, and address billing queries promptly
• Prepare monthly collection reports, aging analyses, and cash flow forecasts for management
• Build and maintain professional customer relationships while enforcing firm collection practices
• Collaborate with Sales and other departments to balance customer service with credit risk management
• Ensure compliance with company credit policies and relevant debt collection legislation
• Identify opportunities to improve collection processes and reduce bad debt exposure

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• 2-4 years of proven experience in collections, accounts receivable, or credit control
• Strong track record of meeting collection targets and reducing outstanding debt
• Proficiency in accounting software (Sage, SAP, QuickBooks) and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• High level of persistence, professionalism, and ability to handle difficult conversations
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational abilities
• Understanding of credit legislation and debt collection best practices
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive team environment