Accounts Receivable Accountant

Position Summary

The Receivable Accountant is responsible for the end-to-end management of the company's accounts receivable sub-ledger. This dual-focus role requires diligent accounting execution—ensuring accurate invoicing, payment posting, and reconciliations—alongside proactive credit control to maximize cash flow. You will act as the primary point of contact for customers regarding payments, resolving disputes effectively to ensure timely collection of outstanding receivables while maintaining positive client relationships.

Here is a drafted Job Description for the Receivable Accountant position. It is designed to complement the Lead Accountant role by taking on the day-to-day execution of the strategies the Lead oversees, with a heavy emphasis on active credit control and collections.

Job Description: Receivable Accountant

Position Title:
Receivable Accountant (Accounts Receivable & Credit Control)
Department:
Finance / Accounting
Reports to:
Lead Accountant

Position Summary

The Receivable Accountant is responsible for the end-to-end management of the company's accounts receivable sub-ledger. This dual-focus role requires diligent accounting execution—ensuring accurate invoicing, payment posting, and reconciliations—alongside proactive credit control to maximize cash flow. You will act as the primary point of contact for customers regarding payments, resolving disputes effectively to ensure timely collection of outstanding receivables while maintaining positive client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounts Receivable Operations

• Process and post daily customer payments to the correct accounts in the ERP system.
• Maintain an up-to-date and accurate Accounts Receivable ledger.
• Perform regular reconciliations of customer accounts and resolve any discrepancies between the general ledger and sub-ledger.
• Assist the Lead Accountant with month-end closing activities related to AR.

2. Credit Control & Collections

• Actively monitor the aged receivables report and take proactive steps to collect overdue payments via telephone and email.
• Serve as the primary "chaser" for outstanding debts, keeping detailed notes on collection efforts and promised payment dates.
• Identify high-risk accounts and escalate them to the Lead Accountant for further action or potential credit holds.
• Evaluate new customer credit applications and recommend appropriate credit limits and payment terms based on company policy.

3. Customer Relations & Dispute Resolution

• Build effective working relationships with customer finance departments to facilitate smoother payment processes.
• Investigate and resolve customer queries promptly, including invoice disputes, short payments, and unallocated cash.
• Collaborate internally with sales and operations teams to validate disputable charges and expedite resolution.

4. Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare weekly and monthly aging reports for the Lead Accountant, highlighting critical overdue accounts and collection progress.
• Assist in the preparation of cash-flow forecasts by providing accurate expected collection dates.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education:
  Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Commerce.
• Experience:
  2–4 years of experience in an Accounts Receivable role with a strong component of active Credit Control/Collections.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in accounting software/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables) for aging analysis and reporting.
• Soft Skills:
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to be firm yet professional when chasing payments.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in data entry.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize follow-ups.