Collections Specialist – Lesaka (Fin-Tech)

Lesaka Technologies; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Lesaka Technologies in Johannesburg is seeking a Collections Specialist to manage arrears across Capital Connect lending book, ensuring compliant engagement with customers and protecting cash flow and profitability. You will lead daily collections activities, negotiate settlement arrangements, and coordinate with Sales, Credit, and Admin teams.

The role requires 2–4 years in credit collections, knowledge of regulatory frameworks including FICA and POPIA, and strong written and verbal

Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) – essential.
• Qualification in Credit, Collections, Finance, Legal, or Risk – advantageous.
• 2–4 years’ experience in credit collections or recoveries.

Responsibilities

• Action daily unpaid debit orders and follow up directly with customers
• Conduct early‑stage collections (Stages 1–2) to prevent accounts ageing into deeper arrears
• Update arrears notes, system statuses, and maintain audit‑ready records
• Prioritise high‑risk accounts and ensure proactive engagement aligned with collections strategy
• Generate and issue Letters of Breach and Letters of Demand in line with internal policy
• Prepare accounts for handover to external legal partners where required
• Ensure accurate documentation and compliance during legal escalation
• Track handed‑over accounts and liaise with attorneys as needed
• Negotiate and structure Payment Arrangements in line with credit policy and mandates
• Draft and process Acknowledgements of Debt (AODs)
• Monitor adherence to payment arrangements and follow up on any defaults
• Support loan lifecycle management where collections input is required
• Identify and elevate risk trends, behavioural patterns, or recurring issues
• Ensure all collections activity adheres to regulatory frameworks including FICA, POPIA, and responsible lending practices
• Support vault‑based collections where physical intervention or investigation is required
• Engage with Sales or field teams for on‑site customer contact when necessary
• Maintain strong controls and risk discipline during vault recovery processes
• Collaborate closely with Sales, Credit, and Admin teams on arrears and customer status
• Handle customer and internal queries professionally, providing clear feedback on outcomes
• Escalate high‑risk or complex cases to the Head of Credit

Skills

Negotiation skills

Customer communication

Attention to detail

Education

Matric (Grade 12)

Credit/Finance/Risk qualification

Job description

Company: Lesaka Technologies

Location: Johannesburg

Department: Capital Connect – Credit

Reports to: Head of Credit

Role Purpose

The Collections Specialist is responsible for proactively managing arrears, recovering unpaid instalments, and maintaining healthy loan performance across the Capital Connect lending book. This role ensures early, consistent, and compliant engagement with customers in arrears to prevent ageing into deep arrears, while protecting cash flow, portfolio quality, and profitability. The position plays a critical role in risk mitigation and operational stability through disciplined collections workflows, legal escalation processes, and structured repayment arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

Daily Collections & Arrears Management

• Action daily unpaid debit orders and follow up directly with customers
• Conduct early‑stage collections (Stages 1–2) to prevent accounts ageing into deeper arrears
• Update arrears notes, system statuses, and maintain audit‑ready records
• Prioritise high‑risk accounts and ensure proactive engagement aligned with collections strategy

Handovers, Letters & Legal Escalation

• Generate and issue Letters of Breach and Letters of Demand in line with internal policy
• Prepare accounts for handover to external legal partners where required
• Ensure accurate documentation and compliance during legal escalation
• Track handed‑over accounts and liaise with attorneys as needed

Repayment Arrangements & Negotiated Settlements

• Negotiate and structure Payment Arrangements in line with credit policy and mandates
• Draft and process Acknowledgements of Debt (AODs)
• Monitor adherence to payment arrangements and follow up on any defaults

General Loan Management

• Support loan lifecycle management where collections input is required
• Identify and elevate risk trends, behavioural patterns, or recurring issues
• Ensure all collections activity adheres to regulatory frameworks including FICA, POPIA, and responsible lending practices

Vault Collections & Field Engagement

• Support vault‑based collections where physical intervention or investigation is required
• Engage with Sales or field teams for on‑site customer contact when necessary
• Maintain strong controls and risk discipline during vault recovery processes

Stakeholder Communication

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Credit, and Admin teams on arrears and customer status
• Handle customer and internal queries professionally, providing clear feedback on outcomes
• Escalate high‑risk or complex cases to the Head of Credit

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Matric (Grade 12) – essential
• Qualification in Credit, Collections, Finance, Legal, or Risk – advantageous

Experience

• 2–4 years’ experience in credit collections or recoveries within financial services or lending
• Experience issuing Letters of Demand, handling legal handovers, and negotiating repayment arrangements
• Strong exposure to arrears management systems or loan management platforms

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong customer negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage high volumes
• High attention to detail and disciplined record keeping
• Knowledge of collections legislation and regulatory frameworks
• Sound judgement and strong ethical conduct
• Ability to work independently while collaborating cross‑functionally
• Strong administrative discipline and system proficiency

Our Values

• Entrepreneurial Spirit – We innovate boldly and act with ownership
• Integrity – We operate with honesty, trust, and transparency
• Collective Wisdom – We collaborate and leverage shared expertise
• Bias to Action – We deliver with urgency, discipline, and focus