Job Purpose
To ensure timely collection of receivables and management of client credit accounts in alignment with project cash flow needs and contractual payment terms. The Credit Control Assistant plays a critical role in supporting the financial health of the business by reducing aged debt maintaining accurate debtor ledgers and fostering strong client relationships. This role requires understanding of the project-based billing cycles and commercial terms typical in construction and engineering contracts (e.g. milestone billing retention clauses certified payments).
Key Responsibilities
Accounts Receivable & Debt Collection
- Monitor and maintain the Accounts Receivable (AR) ledger ensuring all payments are recorded accurately and timely.
- Review aging reports daily/weekly and follow up on overdue accounts through structured communication (calls emails dunning letters).
- Engage with clients finance or commercial departments to resolve issues delaying payment such as disputes over deliverables retentions or valuation certificates.
Client Account Management.
- Maintain up-to-date records of client correspondence payment commitments and dispute resolutions.
- Reconcile customer accounts regularly and flag discrepancies or irregularities for investigation.
- Work closely with Project Managers Quantity Surveyors and Commercial teams to align collections with project progress and certifications.
- Drafting and issuing payment applications tax invoices and statements in coordination with the billing team.
Credit Risk & Compliance
- Conduct credit checks for new clients and preparing documentation for setting credit limits.
- Monitor adherence to credit limits and payment terms as defined by contracts or approved client profiles.
- Work closely with the Head of Finance to identify high-risk accounts and propose appropriate risk mitigation measures (e.g. payment guarantees revised terms).
- Ensure compliance with internal credit policies contractual payment provisions (e.g. FIDIC/NEC) and applicable financial regulations.
Reporting & Documentation
- Generate weekly and monthly reports including debtor aging collection forecasts and disputed amounts summaries.
- Prepare audit schedules and provide supporting documentation during internal and external audits.
- Maintain proper digital and physical documentation of all credit control activities including remittance advices payment plans and approved credit limits.
Administrative Support
- Carry out data entry invoice filing and archiving of relevant financial and contract-related documents.
- Liaise with legal or contracts administration teams to escalate long-outstanding debts or initiate legal recovery processes when necessary.
- Liaise with other finance team members during peak periods such as month-end close or budgeting cycles to provide the required supporting information and/or documentation.
Qualifications :
Education:
- Bachelors Degree in Accounting Finance Business Administration or a related field.
- CPA Part II or higher is a distinct advantage.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a similar credit control or accounts receivable role.
- Experience within the construction engineering infrastructure or real estate development industries is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with standard forms of contracts (e.g. FIDIC NEC) and their payment terms/conditions.
Key Skills & Competencies:
- Technical Proficiency: Good command of accounting systems (e.g. Sage 300 ERP platforms like SAP or Oracle) and Excel (pivot tables VLOOKUPs aging analysis).
- Analytical Thinking: Ability to interpret financial data and anticipate cash flow issues.
- Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with clients and internal teams.
- Attention to Detail: Precision in maintaining account records and identifying payment anomalies.
- Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently under pressure.
- Team Collaboration: Works well within finance and project teams aligning efforts to meet project billing and collection milestones.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive approach in resolving payment disputes and maintaining positive client relationships.
Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time