Collections Accountant

Two Roads Trading; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in Johannesburg is looking for a motivated Collections Accountant to manage customer debts and maintain positive relationships. The ideal candidate will possess a bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance, with 2-4 years of experience in collections. Proficiency in accounting software and excellent communication skills are essential. This full-time role offers professional development opportunities and 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 and follow up on overdue customer accounts.
• Negotiate payment plans and settlement arrangements with customers.
• Prepare monthly collection reports and cash flow forecasts.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Organizational abilities

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or related field

Tools

Sage

SAP

QuickBooks

Excel

Job description

About the role

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

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1