Debtors Manager

Jobs2day; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial management company in Cape Town is seeking a Debtors Manager responsible for managing all outstanding debtors, ensuring optimal cash flow, and reducing credit risk. The role requires a seasoned professional with over 10 years of debtors experience, at least 3-5 years in a leadership position, and a strong background in credit risk management. Candidates must have a relevant financial qualification and excellent analytical, leadership, and negotiation skills, alongside a proactive approach to process improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years proven debtors / credit control experience.
• At least 3–5 years management or supervisory experience leading a team.
• Demonstrated track record of improving collections and managing large debtor books.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the full debtors function, including invoicing and collections.
• Drive collection of overdue accounts and reduce days sales outstanding.
• Lead, manage, and mentor the debtors / credit control team.
• Prepare and present accurate monthly debtors age analysis reports.
• Identify opportunities to improve debtors processes and controls.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Negotiation skills

Attention to detail

Credit risk management

MS Excel proficiency

Education

Relevant financial or accounting qualification

Tools

Accounting systems

Job description

Purpose of the Role

The Debtors Manager is responsible for the effective management, control, and collection of all outstanding debtors, ensuring optimal cash flow, reduced credit risk, and adherence to internal credit policies. The role requires a seasoned professional with extensive debtors experience and proven leadership capability.

Key Responsibilities

Debtors & Credit Control Management

• Oversee the full debtors function, including invoicing, collections, allocations, and reconciliations
• Ensure debtor balances are accurate, up to date, and within agreed credit terms
• Drive the collection of overdue accounts and reduce days sales outstanding (DSO)
• Review and approve credit limits in line with company policy and risk assessments
• Manage escalations, disputes, and legal handovers where required

Team Leadership & Management

• Lead, manage, and mentor the debtors / credit control team
• Set performance targets and monitor individual and team KPIs
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide coaching and development
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties and internal controls

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare and present accurate monthly debtors age analysis and management reports
• Provide insights and recommendations to improve cash flow and reduce bad debt
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls, audit requirements, and company policies
• Liaise with finance, sales, and external stakeholders to resolve account-related issues

Process Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve debtors processes, systems, and controls
• Implement best practices to enhance efficiency and collection effectiveness
• Support system implementations or upgrades where applicable

Minimum Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 10 years proven debtors / credit control experience
• At least 3–5 years management or supervisory experience leading a debtors or credit control team
• Demonstrated track record of improving collections and managing large debtor books

Qualifications

• Relevant financial or accounting qualification (Diploma or Degree preferred)
• Additional credit management or finance certifications will be advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability
• High attention to detail with strong numerical accuracy
• Confident communicator with strong negotiation skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Sound knowledge of credit risk management and collections best practices
• Advanced proficiency in accounting systems and MS Excel

Key Personal Attributes

• Results-driven with a strong sense of accountability
• Ethical, professional, and resilient
• Proactive and solutions-oriented
• Strong decision-making capability