Debtors Controller

Village n Life; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Village n Life is seeking a Distribution Debtors Controller to support the Debtors Manager in managing debtor accounts, payments, and reconciliations across the group's distribution channels.

You will bill accurately, allocate payments, and chase overdue balances while coordinating with Travel Agents, Front Office, Reservations, and online platforms to ensure timely revenue collection and reliable reporting.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• 3–5 years’ experience in a Debtors or Accounts Receivable role.
• Experience with Travel Agents and distribution platforms is advantageous.
• Advanced OPERA Cloud knowledge is required.
• Sage Evolution experience is advantageous.
• MS Office, particularly Excel, skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly debtor accounts and assist with financial reporting.
• Ensure bill-back revenue rates in OPERA Cloud are accurate and aligned with online platform rates.
• Route and close all bill-back revenue to Travel Agents.
• Verify FO data transfer amounts and reconcile with online platform totals.
• Capture and process invoices from online platforms.
• Allocate and post all debtor payments.
• Follow up on balances, especially >30 days.
• Respond to and resolve queries from Travel Agents.
• Maintain debtor payment schedules and assist with month-end reconciliations.
• Monitor credit limits and ensure accurate recording of payments.

Skills

Accounts Receivable

Hospitality experience

Travel Agents relations

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Grade 12

Tools

OPERA Cloud

Sage Evolution

Excel

Job description

This role forms part of the Finance team within the Village n Life hospitality group, supporting the Debtors Manager with the day-to-day management of debtor accounts, payments, reconciliations, and financial reporting across the group’s distribution channels.

The Role

As a Distribution Debtors Controller, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that debtor accounts are accurately billed, payments are received and correctly allocated, and outstanding balances are followed up within the required timeframes. You’ll work closely with Travel Agents, Front Office, Reservations, online distribution platforms, and the Finance team to maintain accurate financial records and support smooth revenue collection.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly debtor accounts and assist with financial reporting
• Ensure bill-back revenue rates in OPERA Cloud are accurate and aligned with online platform rates
• Ensure all bill-back revenue to Travel Agents is correctly routed and closed off
• Verify that Front Office (FO) data transfer amounts are accurate and agree with online platform totals
• Capture and process invoices received through online platforms
• Ensure all debtor payments are correctly allocated and posted
• Follow up on outstanding debtor accounts, particularly balances older than 30 days
• Respond to and resolve queries from customers, predominantly Travel Agents
• Maintain accurate debtor payment schedules and assist with month-end reconciliations
• Monitor debtor accounts and ensure credit limits are not exceeded
• Ensure payments received through various online platforms are accurately recorded
• Ensure bank deposits and virtual card payments are correctly posted to OPERA Cloud
• Maintain accurate records of virtual card payments and reconcile these to bank statements
• Monitor virtual card payments, ensure payments are processed timeously and follow up on queries
• Assist with preparing refund documentation when required
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date reconciliations
• Prepare reports and provide accurate financial information to management
• Manage finance-related email correspondence and maintain organised filing and records
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Travel Agents, Front Office, Reservations, and internal Finance teams
• Assist with ad-hoc financial requests and provide accurate information within required timeframes
• Demonstrate an understanding of the financial linkages between departments
• Support the Debtors Manager and wider Finance team as required
• Provide guidance and delegate tasks to team members where required, taking into consideration workload, skill level and experience
• Proactively seek feedback and respond constructively to feedback from colleagues and management

What We’re Looking For

• Grade 12
• 3–5 years’ experience in a Debtors or Accounts Receivable role
• Hospitality experience is advantageous
• Experience working with Travel Agents and distribution platforms
• Advanced OPERA Cloud knowledge
• Sage Evolution experience is advantageous
• Intermediate MS Office skills, particularly Excel
• Strong understanding of reconciliations, debtor accounts and payment allocation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Accountable, dependable, and well organised
• Strong self-management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
• Resilient and able to work effectively under pressure
• Willingness to work overtime when required
• Able to communicate confidently and professionally in English

What We Offer

• A key finance role within the Village n Life hospitality group
• Exposure to hospitality distribution, Travel Agents, and online booking platforms
• Growth and development opportunities within the group
• A collaborative and professional working environment
• Competitive package aligned with experience and skill set