Credit Controller at Farmers Choice Limited

Job Summary

They are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Credit Controller to assist the Credit Control Operations Manager in overseeing and controlling credit control processes. The role requires close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders including customers, debt collection firms, sales team, warehouse, dispatch and other departments. Maintaining excellent customer service standards.

Job Purpose

• Ensure timely, proactive and accurate maintenance of customer accounts.
• Foster business growth and support decision making.
• Ensure credit risk exposure is kept at a very minimal.

Key Responsibilities

COLLECTIONS, RISK ASSESSMENT & MITIGATION (40%)

• Conduct and report timely risk assessment for the assigned customers.
• Receive and verify KYC documents for customer account opening and credit application.
• Follow up and verify RF details to ensure accurate credit note details and balances.
• Enforce credit terms extended to customers.
• Drive and monitor collection activities to ensure proper procedure is followed.
• Monitor, analyze and report customer payment patterns and ensure strict adherence.
• Drive and meet collection targets.
• Conduct debtor circularization and follow up to completion quarterly and/or as required.
• Prepare demand/violation of terms letters and monitor progress.
• Code WHVAT and allocate to respective invoices.
• Ensure customer statements are sent twice a month and as and when requested.
• Communicate and advise respective departments on overdue balances and be part of the process.
• Resolve client disputes timely while maintaining good relations.
• Escalate credit control matters in a timely manner.
• Ensure procedures and control of invoices, credit notes etc. are followed.
• Prepare weekly and monthly collection reports and aged debtors analysis reports.
• Propose legal recovery through small claims court.
• Work with credit bureaus for listings and de-listings.

RECONCILIATIONS & REPORTS (40%)

• Review accounts receivable records and identify discrepancies in billing or collections activities.
• Customer account reconciliation and sign off by 5ᵗʰ of every month.
• Ensure no reconciling balances extend to the following month.
• Review accounts to determine whether they should be written off as uncollectible.
• Assist the Credit Control Operations Manager in developing the most efficient and effective credit control processes.
• Suggest and implement innovative ways to improve collection processes.

CONTROLS & COMPLIANCE (20%)

• Conduct credit assessment through KYC for new and existing customers.
• Ensure strict implementation of credit policy and recommend improvements.
• Monitor trends in customer accounts to identify potential risk factors such as missed payments, unverified shipments, unverified credit notes etc.
• Maintain a risk register for assigned customers.
• Ensure fraud prevention, detection and deterrence.
• Carry out ad hoc assignments as assigned by the Credit Control Operations Manager, Commercial Manager and the Director – Sales & Marketing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting or Related Field
• Relevant professional qualifications; CPA Part 3
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in Credit Control
• Proven experience in a high-volume, fast-paced credit environment
• Knowledge of financial and accounting software and MS Office products (specifically Excel)
• Knowledge of general accepted accounting principles
• Strong interpersonal, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Good planning and organization skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict timelines