Receivables Lead

Barrows

Moving Retail Forward | Moving Communities Forward | Moving People Forward

About BARROWS

"Join the Barrows team and help move retail forward!
We are a dynamic and innovative point of Sale Company that is dedicated to driving progress and sustainability in the retail industry. Our team of experts is passionate about creating solutions that are both innovative and eco-friendly, helping to shape the future of retail for generations to come.
At Barrows, we believe in the power of collaboration and creativity. Our team is made up of experts in a variety of fields, from engineering to marketing, and we work together to bring new ideas to life. We are looking for individuals who are driven, creative, and dedicated to making a positive impact in the world.
As a member of the Barrows team, you will have the opportunity to work on exciting projects and help shape the future of retail. Whether you're developing new software, designing innovative hardware, or working on marketing campaigns, you'll have the support and resources you need to succeed.
But at Barrows, we're more than just a company - we're a community. Our employees are valued members of our team, and we believe that their success is our success. That's why we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment that allows our team to thrive. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, we have opportunities for growth and advancement at every level.
So if you're ready to be part of a team that's Moving Retail Forward, we'd love to hear from you! Apply today and take your first step towards a fulfilling and exciting career at Barrows."

Summary:

The Finance Department requires a highly motivated and experienced Debtors Lead to oversee and manage the Accounts Receivable (AR) function for the Barrows Africa Group of Companies. This role is critical in ensuring the accurate, timely collection of all customer payments and the maintenance of a healthy cash flow. The Debtors

Lead will guide a small team of debtors clerks, drive process improvements and automation, ensure compliance with internal controls and external regulations, and build strong relationships with customers.

This role requires a strong individual contributor with excellent communication and problem-solving skills, a commitment to accuracy, and a proactive approach to optimising working capital through analysis, ultimately contributing to the financial health and success of the Barrows Group.

The objective of this role is to get all completed work invoiced as quickly as possible and payment by the client received as quickly as possible.

Responsibilities:

Team Management:

• Guide and support a small team of debtors
  Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to junior team
  Foster a collaborative and supportive work
• Through effective planning, delegate tasks effectively and ensure workload is balanced within the

Credit Control and Collections:

• Oversee the entire AR process, from invoice generation to payment
• Develop and implement credit control policies and procedures to minimise credit risk and optimise cash flow.
• Monitor customer credit limits and payment terms, flagging potential issues
• Perform credit and other checks on new and existing customers, ensuring the recoverability of future
• Ensure timely collection of payments and minimise outstanding
• Proactively contact customers with overdue accounts and negotiate payment
• Investigate and resolve customer queries and disputes
• Escalate complex issues to relevant stakeholders, such as sales or

Invoice Processing and Reconciliation:

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of customer invoices, identifying opportunities to accelerate
• Collaborate with the sales and procurement teams ensuring timely processing of
• Review and verify invoices for accuracy and
• Ensure proper authorization and adherence to company policies for all
• Match invoices to sales orders and supporting
• Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, escalating complex issues to the sales team or relevant
• Ensure accurate General Ledger (GL) allocations and dimensions for all AR
• Reconcile customer accounts regularly and resolve any discrepancies
• Review and sign off on the validity and accuracy of
• Prepare and submit customer statements regularly and
• Ensure timely upload of invoices and supporting documents to customer
• Reconcile customer portals to our system ensuring accuracy on a monthly

Customer Relationship Management:

• Assist with the preparation of customer applications, ensuring timely

• Add new customers to the various systems once all requirements are
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key
• Proactively address and resolve complex or aged debtor
• Collaborate with the sales team on clearing work completed but not invoiced and purchase order
• Communicate effectively with customers regarding invoices, payments, and account
• Provide excellent customer service and ensure customer

Reporting and Analysis:

• Monitor and analyse key AR metrics, such as Debtor Age Analysis, DSO, and bad debt
• Prepare and present regular reports on AR performance to
• Identify trends and areas for improvement in AR
• Prepare cash flow forecasts for
• Assist in the collation of revenue forecast

Month-End Responsibilities:

• Ensure month-end close procedures are completed on time and error
• Prepare and post journal entries for revenue recognition and bad debt
• Prepare and post journal entries for client rebates and
• Reconcile AR sub systems and reports to the general ledger and trial
• Reconcile non system schedules and reports to the trial
• Prepare and analyse monthly AR ageing
• Assist with other month-end reviews and queries as may be

Compliance and Process Improvement:

• Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, tax regulations, and internal
• Assist in the preparation and submission of audit queries and
• Formulate policies and procedures to ensure timely
• Drive automation and the application of best practices within the
• Identify opportunities to optimize AR processes and improve

Proactively identify and address challenges within the department, contributing to solutions and process

improvements. This includes undertaking ad hoc tasks and projects as assigned or required, demonstrating flexibility and a strong commitment to supporting the overall success of the finance function.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field (advantageous).
• Completed bookkeeping
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar
• High level of accuracy and attention to
• Strong understanding of accounting principles and practices related to Accounts
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., Sage X3), Microsoft Excel and Google
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership
• Strong analytical and problem-solving
• Ability to work independently and as part of a
• Ability to perform under pressure and meet
• Strong work ethic and commitment to ethical