Collections Supervisor

Lyceum College; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

Lyceum College is seeking a Collections Supervisor to lead the collections team in recovering outstanding student accounts. The role involves implementing debt recovery strategies, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and engaging with stakeholders. Successful candidates will have strong leadership skills, analytical capabilities, and a proven track record in debt collection.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in debt collection or financial operations.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Experience in the education sector is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the collections team to achieve performance targets.
• Oversee all collection efforts and negotiate payment arrangements.
• Generate and analyze reports on collections performance.

Skills

Financial reporting

Data analysis

Conflict resolution

Negotiation

Team leadership

Problem-solving

Time management

Education

National Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration

Grade 12

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary: The Collections Supervisor is responsible for leading the collections team to ensure the effective and timely recovery of outstanding student accounts and other receivables.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can implement and manage efficient debt recovery processes, motivate the team, and drive performance in line with institutional goals.

The supervisor ensures compliance with internal policies, monitors KPIs, analyzes trends, and engages with internal and external stakeholders to maintain the financial integrity of Lyceum College.

Main Purpose of the Job: To lead and oversee the collections operations, providing direction and support to the collections clerks, implementing effective debt collection strategies, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and fostering professional communication with debtors.

The role requires strong leadership, analytical capabilities, and the ability to handle sensitive financial matters with discretion and professionalism.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAs):

1. Team Management & Supervision (30%)
2. Debt Collection Oversight (25%)
3. Reporting & Analytics (15%)
4. Process Improvement & Compliance (15%)
5. Stakeholder & Student Engagement (15%)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Team Management & Supervision (30%)
2. Lead, coach, and support the collections team to achieve performance targets and service standards.
3. Set individual and departmental goals, monitor progress, and conduct regular performance evaluations.
4. Provide training and guidance to staff to ensure understanding of procedures and best practices.
5. Manage daily operations and task allocation within the team.
6. Ensure adherence to internal controls, processes, and financial policies.
7. Supervise all day-to-day HR related issues with subordinates.

1. Debt Collection Oversight (25%)
2. Oversee and support all collection efforts, ensuring timely and effective recovery of overdue accounts.
3. Review complex or escalated cases and assist in negotiating payment arrangements.
4. Approve and monitor payment plans and evaluate risk and feasibility.
5. Ensure appropriate escalation procedures are followed for non-responsive accounts.
6. Plan and implement collections strategies to meet monthly collection and bad debt provision targets.

1. Reporting & Analytics (15%)
2. Generate and analyze reports on collections performance, aging of accounts, and recovery rates.
3. Monitor KPIs and identify areas for improvement.
4. Present performance updates to the Head of Finance and make data-driven recommendations.
5. Conduct trend analysis to inform proactive collections strategies.

1. Process Improvement & Compliance (15%)
2. Review, refine, and implement collections policies and procedures for efficiency and compliance.
3. Ensure alignment with financial regulations, the POPIA Act, and institutional policies.
4. Conduct internal audits and spot checks for documentation accuracy and procedural adherence.
5. Lead system improvements and automation initiatives with IT and finance teams.

1. Stakeholder & Student Engagement (15%)
2. Liaise with students, sponsors, legal teams, and internal departments on account queries and escalated matters.
3. Maintain professional, empathetic, and solutions-oriented communication with debtors.
4. Represent the collections department in finance and student services meetings.
5. Collaborate with academic and admissions departments to align billing and collections timelines.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

• Grade 12
• A national Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field is advantageous.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in debt collection, credit control, or financial operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team leadership role.
• Experience in the education sector or working with student accounts is highly desirable.

Skills and Competencies:

• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of financial systems, reconciliations, and collection processes. Skilled in financial reporting and data analysis.
• Communication Skills: Clear, professional written and verbal communication abilities. Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Leadership Skills: Team leadership, staff coaching, and performance management. Ability to motivate and influence outcomes positively.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Manage complex accounts and develop solutions for delinquent cases. Strategic thinking with a proactive approach.
• Administrative Skills: High accuracy, attention to detail, excellent time management, and organizational skills.

Key Attributes: High professionalism, ethics, discretion, strong interpersonal skills, results-driven, collaborative, and a mindset for continuous improvement.