Accounts Receivable Manager

Job description

We are looking for an experienced Accounts Receivable (AR) Manager to oversee the receivables function in a fast-paced below-the-line (BTL) marketing environment. The ideal candidate will have experience managing accounts for high-profile clients in the FMCG, telecoms, and consumer goods sectors. They should have a strong understanding of client payment processes, strict compliance requirements, and the ability to navigate complex invoicing and collections cycles. The candidate should have experience with customer-specific payment processes and portals (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, and other procurement platforms used by FMCG brands).



Key responsibilities

Accounts receivable and invoicing

• Oversee the full accounts receivable function, ensuring all invoices are correctly processed, sent, and recorded.
• Work closely with client service teams to ensure invoicing aligns with project deliverables.
• Manage customer billing cycles, ensuring compliance with contract terms and marketing campaign milestones.
• Liaise with client brand, procurement and finance departments to ensure smooth invoicing and payment processing.

Collections and credit control

• Maintain strong relationships with clients to ensure timely collections.
• Send out statements and upload invoices onto client portals on a regular basis
• Monitor and follow up on overdue accounts, ensuring payments are received in line with agreed terms.
• Negotiate payment plans where necessary and escalate disputes efficiently.
• Conduct credit checks and set appropriate credit limits based on risk assessment.

Reconciliation and reporting

• Perform customer account reconciliations, ensuring all payments are correctly allocated.
• Generate weekly and monthly debtor reports for management, highlighting risks and overdue accounts.
• Provide cash flow forecasts, identifying potential payment delays and their impact on the business.
• Work closely with external auditors to ensure compliance during financial reviews.

Process improvement and compliance

• Ensure compliance with client financial policies, particularly those of large multinational clients with strict invoicing protocols.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency in AR management.
• Work with IT and finance teams to integrate and automate invoicing systems where possible.

Team management (if applicable)

• Lead and mentor the AR team (if applicable), ensuring high performance and professional growth.
• Train staff on customer-specific payment processes (e.g., SAP Ariba, Coupa, and other procurement platforms used by FMCG brands).

Requirements

• 2 - 5+ years of experience in Accounts Receivable, preferably in the marketing, media, or advertising industry.
• Experience managing accounts for FMCG, telecoms, and consumer goods clients
• Strong understanding of credit control and collections processes within the South African market.
• Familiarity with procurement and finance platforms (e.g. Pastel Partner, SAP Ariba, Coupa, Oracle, Xero, or Sage).
• Good negotiation, relationship management, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting abilities, with advanced Excel skills.
• Highly detail-oriented, able to handle high transaction volumes with accuracy.
• Experience in the BTL marketing or advertising industry.
• Degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, or related field an advantage

Posted on 31 Mar 14:41, Closing date 30 May