Credit Controller | Finance | WPP Scangroup Plc

JOB PURPOSE – SUMMARY:

The Credit Controller is responsible for the end-to-end credit control process, ensuring timely and accurate invoicing, efficient cash collection, meticulous bookkeeping, and proactive client relationship management to optimize cash flow and minimize outstanding debts. This role acts as the primary owner for the client credit process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Invoice Management & Delivery:

• Verify the accuracy and completeness of invoices before dispatch to clients.
• Ensure timely delivery of all invoices to clients, adhering to stipulated timelines and agreed client processes, including all relevant supporting documentation.
• Maintain robust evidence of timely invoice delivery through acknowledgement receipts and dispatch registers within the ERP system.
• Process and deliver reissued invoices and credit notes to clients within defined timelines.

2. Cash Collection & Client Relationship Management:

• Proactively follow up with clients on outstanding balances through regular calls, emails, and, when necessary, personal visits, utilizing updated Statements of Account (SOA).
• Expeditiously resolve any issues or discrepancies raised by clients, coordinating effectively with internal departments (e.g., sales, operations) and external stakeholders. Maintain clear evidence of all actions taken.
• Issue Pro-forma invoices and diligently follow up on Letters of Purchase Order (LPOs) for fees with clients.
• Share customer statements with clients regularly (at least monthly) and internally on a case-by-case basis as required.
• Escalate uncollected debts internally to relevant management if they remain outstanding 60 days after the due date.

3. Financial Record Keeping & Reconciliation:

• Ensure timely and accurate posting of Withholding Tax (WHT) and Value Added Tax (VAT) within the same month of transaction.
• Accurately and immediately allocate all monies received from clients against outstanding invoices.
• Prepare and obtain approval for Journal Vouchers (JVs) within agreed timeframes.
• Conduct quarterly Purchase Order (PO) reconciliations for all clients.

4. Reporting & Monitoring:

• Track and report weekly on collection targets versus actual collections.
• Monitor the unbilled report to ensure all services/orders are billed promptly.
• Regularly monitor and track client contract validity to prevent service disruptions or unbilled periods.

PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Experience: Minimum of 2-4 years’ experience in a credit control or accounts receivable role.
• Education: Diploma Education Level required; CPA an added advantage.
• Analytical & Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and good business acumen for effective problem-solving.
• Communication & Interpersonal: Excellent communication skills (oral and written), good interpersonal skills, and the confidence to deal effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Organization & Prioritization: Excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize a demanding workload.
• Teamwork: Excellent team working abilities, fostering collaboration within the finance department and across other teams.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel and Word.

WPP-SCANGROUP – COMPANY OVERVIEW

WPP is recognized as the "world's best holding company," a testament to the combined strength and performance of its agencies and networks globally. This ranking is based on the effectiveness and marketing excellence of campaigns across 79 countries, where entrants must demonstrate the tangible business impact of their work.

WPP Scangroup Plc specializes in building brands and transforming consumers through our diverse portfolio of advertising and media brands, including Scanad/JWT, Ogilvy, Squad Digital, and GroupM. We provide clients with the highest-quality mix of multi-discipline marketing and diverse creative communications services. We are not for those who seek the ordinary; we seek talent with big-picture thinking, a craving for integration, and a collaborative spirit.

Established over 33 years ago as Scanad, we have evolved into WPP Scangroup Plc, listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange and operating across various markets in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our team of 600+ highly talented professionals across Pan-Africa is dedicated to fostering collaborative partnerships both within and outside our agency brands. Our core services encompass strategy and communication planning, creative development & design, and digital integration for some of the world's largest clients, including The Coca-Cola Company, Unilever, Diageo, ABSA, and Safaricom.