Debtors Clerk

Cls; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established FMCG company based in South Africa is seeking a Debtors Clerk to manage customer accounts, process credit notes, and ensure timely payment collections. The ideal candidate should possess strong organizational skills and have 2-5 years’ experience in a similar role. Proficiency in financial systems like Sage Evolution and a good understanding of credit control principles are essential. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to effective cash flow management and improve financial processes within a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• 2 - 5 years' experience as a Debtors Clerk or in similar financial role.
• Experience managing large debtor books is advantageous.
• Basic VAT knowledge and application in invoicing.

Responsibilities

• Process credit notes accurately according to company policies.
• Reconcile customer accounts and investigate discrepancies.
• Resolve customer credit and payment disputes efficiently.
• Provide fortnightly updates on credit note status to heads.
• Collaborate with sales and admin to improve processes.

Skills

Numerical ability

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office proficiency

Understanding of credit control

Education

National Senior Certificate

Tertiary qualification in Finance/Accounting

Tools

Sage Evolution

SearchWorks

Job description

Introduction

A well-established FMCG company based in Kempton Park is seeking a Debtors Clerk to join their finance team.

The successful candidate will manage customer accounts, process accurate credit notes, reconcile transactions, and ensure timely payment collections.

This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders to support the overall credit control function.

Job Purpose

To ensure the accurate and timely processing of credit notes and debtor transactions, maintain up-to-date customer accounts, and assist in the effective management of company cash flow by following up on outstanding amounts, resolving account discrepancies, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures.

Requirements

Minimum education (essential): National Senior Certificate. Tertiary qualification or certificate in Finance / Accounting (advantageous).

Minimum applicable experience (years): 2 - 5 years' experience in a Debtors Clerk or similar financial administrative role.

Experience managing large debtor books or high-volume accounts (advantageous).

Required nature of experience: Debtors account management and reconciliation, credit note processing and resolution of account discrepancies, customer query handling and communication with internal departments, experience working on Sage Evolution or similar ERP / accounting systems, exposure to credit control and debt collection processes, basic accounting knowledge and understanding of financial transactions, basic VAT knowledge and application in credit notes and invoicing.

Skills and Knowledge

Strong numerical and analytical ability, excellent written and verbal communication skills, high attention to detail and accuracy in processing financial data, proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and Word essential), knowledge of Sage Evolution and SearchWorks (advantageous), sound understanding of credit control principles and financial procedures, strong organizational and time management skills.

Other: Proficient in Afrikaans and English, own transport and valid driver's license, willingness to work overtime or extended hours during month-end.

Key Performance Areas

Credit Note Processing

Process all credit notes accurately according to return notes, short deliveries, and claims.

Verify the validity of each credit request to ensure compliance with company policies.

Maintain accurate records of all processed credit notes (electronic and manual).

Identify and report irregularities or duplicate credit requests promptly.

Debtors Account Management

Maintain and update debtor accounts to ensure all transactions are recorded correctly.

Reconcile customer accounts and investigate discrepancies or unmatched payments.

Prepare and distribute monthly customer statements.

Monitor accounts to ensure timely payments and elevate overdue accounts when required.

Query and Dispute Resolution

Investigate and resolve customer credit and payment disputes efficiently.

Liaise with sales, logistics, and branch admin teams to resolve account-related issues.

Maintain professional communication and follow up on all outstanding queries.

Ensure all resolutions are documented and processed within set deadlines.

Reporting and Compliance

Provide fortnightly updates to departmental heads regarding credit note status and outstanding accounts.

Ensure compliance with financial policies, internal controls, and company procedures.

Assist during audits by supplying necessary debtor-related documentation.

Safeguard confidentiality of all financial information.

Teamwork and Continuous Improvement

Collaborate with sales and admin teams to streamline credit note and debtor processes.

Provide support during colleagues' absence and contribute to team targets.

Identify and propose process improvements to enhance debtor management.

Maintain professionalism and a positive attitude aligned with company values.