VI. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Team Leadership and Supervision:
? Lead and manage a team of credit and collections professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure high performance.
? Set performance expectations and monitor the team's performance against key metrics (e.g., DSO, aging reports, collection targets).
? Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with team members to provide feedback, conduct performance reviews, and develop growth plans.
? Foster a positive, collaborative team environment focused on achieving departmental goals.
2. Credit Risk Management:
? Review customer credit applications and assess the risk associated with extending credit to new and existing customers.
? Collaborate with the sales, finance, and accounting teams to establish credit limits and payment terms based on customer risk profiles.
? Monitor customer accounts for signs of financial instability or payment difficulties, and adjust credit terms or limits as necessary.
? Develop and implement procedures for evaluating and managing credit risk, including the use of credit scoring and other financial tools.
3. Collections Strategy and Oversight:
? Develop and implement collection strategies and processes to ensure the timely collection of overdue accounts.
? Oversee the collection of outstanding receivables, working with the team to prioritize and manage accounts according to aging reports.
? Develop and maintain relationships with key customers to facilitate payment resolution and address any payment issues or disputes.
? Monitor overdue accounts and escalate issues to senior management or legal if necessary, ensuring that all collection efforts are compliant with legal and ethical standards.
4. Customer Communication and Dispute Resolution:
? Communicate with customers regarding overdue payments, offering solutions to resolve issues and avoid further delays.
? Resolve payment disputes in a timely and professional manner, working closely with customers to find mutually agreeable solutions.
? Ensure that customers are aware of credit terms, payment deadlines, and the consequences of late payments.
5. Reporting and Analysis:
? Prepare and analyze regular credit and collection reports, including accounts receivable aging, cash collections, bad debt, and DSO (Days Sales Outstanding).
? Provide regular updates to senior management on the status of outstanding accounts, collection progress, and key performance metrics.
? Conduct detailed analysis of collection trends and identify areas for improvement in collections processes.
6. Cash Flow and Bad Debt Management:
? Work closely with finance and accounting departments to ensure that collections align with cash flow requirements and revenue forecasts.
? Analyze and report on aging accounts and bad debt write-offs, recommending strategies to minimize bad debt exposure.
? Implement processes to ensure the timely write-off of uncollectible accounts and ensure proper documentation of all bad debt activity.
7. Process Improvement:
? Continuously assess and improve credit and collections processes, recommending changes to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of non-payment.
? Identify opportunities to streamline operations, reduce administrative overhead, and enhance customer payment experiences.
? Stay current on best practices in credit management and collections, and ensure that the team is trained in industry standards.
8. Compliance and Policy Enforcement:
? Ensure that all credit and collection activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and internal company policies.
? Develop and enforce internal credit and collections policies, including adherence to established payment terms, collection practices, and dispute resolution procedures.
? Educate the team on legal requirements related to collections, including debt collection regulations and customer privacy.
9. Collaboration with Other Departments:
? Work closely with the sales, customer service, and finance teams to align on credit policies, customer payment issues, and collection strategies.
? Collaborate with legal and senior management to address escalated collection issues and determine when legal action or third-party collection agencies are required.
? Provide feedback to sales teams regarding customers with potential payment issues or credit risks.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
Proven experience in Team Lead credit management and collections.
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Ability to analyze financial data and develop strategies.
Proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.