The Credit Controller is responsible for managing the organization's credit policies and accounts receivable processes to ensure timely collection of outstanding debts and minimize credit risk. The role involves monitoring customer accounts, assessing creditworthiness, maintaining healthy cash flow, and building strong relationships with customers while ensuring compliance with company policies and financial regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and oversee the accounts receivable and credit control functions of the organization.
- Assess the creditworthiness of new and existing customers and recommend appropriate credit limits and terms.
- Monitor customer accounts to ensure timely collection of outstanding invoices and overdue balances.
- Follow up on overdue payments through telephone calls, emails, and formal correspondence.
- Investigate and resolve billing disputes and payment discrepancies promptly.
- Prepare and maintain accurate aging reports, collection reports, and accounts receivable reconciliations.
- Monitor debtor balances and implement strategies to reduce outstanding receivables and bad debts.
- Recommend account suspension, legal action, or recovery measures where necessary.
- Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, and Finance teams to ensure effective credit management and customer satisfaction.
- Review and continuously improve credit control procedures, policies, and internal controls.
- Prepare periodic reports and presentations on collections performance, debtor aging, and credit risk exposure for management.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, accounting standards, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Master's degree, Professional Accounting Qualification, or other higher education qualification in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Professional certification such as ACCA, CPA, CIMA, CA, or equivalent is highly desirable.
- Minimum of 8–12 years of progressive experience in credit control, accounts receivable management, collections, or financial management.
- Strong knowledge of credit management principles, debt recovery procedures, and financial analysis.
- Proficiency in ERP systems and financial software such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar platforms.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and financial reporting tools.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management abilities.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Key Competencies
- Credit Risk Assessment and Management
- Accounts Receivable Management
- Debt Collection and Recovery
- Financial Analysis and Reporting
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Cash Flow Management
- Internal Controls and Compliance
- Customer Relationship Management
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Attention to Detail and Results Orientation
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
- Percentage of overdue receivables collected.
- Reduction in bad debt provisions and write-offs.
- Accuracy and timeliness of accounts receivable reporting.
- Collection effectiveness and recovery rates.
- Compliance with credit policies and procedures.
- Customer dispute resolution turnaround time.
- Overall improvement in cash flow and debtor aging performance.
