Specialist - Financial Operations - Accounts Receivable

JOB PURPOSE/SUMMARY

The Specialist - Accounts Receivable is responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of accounts receivable transactions, including invoicing, collections, reconciliations, and reporting activities. The role oversees AR processes to ensure compliance with contractual terms, accounting standards, internal policies, and regulatory requirements while supporting effective cash flow management.

The Specialist plays a key role in financial reporting by validating receivable balances, monitoring aging and credit risks, and supporting provisioning activities in accordance with accounting standards. The position collaborates closely with internal stakeholders and customers to resolve complex billing and payment issues, supports audits, and contributes to process improvements and ERP system enhancements within the AR function.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Accounts Receivable Operations and Invoicing Oversight (35%)

• Oversee the preparation and issuance of customer invoices to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with contract terms, pricing agreements, and tax regulations.
• Review supporting documentation and approvals for billing transactions, ensuring adherence to internal controls.
• Validate adjustments, credit notes, and invoice revisions prior to processing.
• Monitor billing cycles to ensure timely invoicing and revenue recognition alignment.
• Support resolution of complex invoicing issues in coordination with commercial, operations, and finance stakeholders.

2. Collections Management and Account Reconciliation (25%)

• Monitor customer outstanding balances and collection performance, identifying high-risk accounts and recommending corrective actions.
• Review reconciliations of customer accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness of receivable balances.
• Support resolution of complex disputes, payment discrepancies, or unapplied receipts.
• Coordinate with customers and internal stakeholders to improve payment timelines and reduce overdue receivables.
• Escalate material risks related to credit exposure or delayed collections to management.

3. Financial Reporting, Provisioning, and Month-End Close (20%)

• Lead AR-related month-end closing activities, ensuring accurate recognition of receivables and timely reconciliation of balances.
• Review aging reports and support provisioning for expected credit losses in accordance with applicable accounting standards.
• Prepare AR schedules and analysis to support financial statements, cash flow reporting, and management reporting.
• Support VAT reporting requirements related to receivables transactions.
• Provide insights and variance analysis on receivable trends and collection performance.

4. ERP Systems, Controls, and Data Integrity (10%)

• Ensure data accuracy within ERP systems related to customer accounts, invoices, and receipts.
• Identify system or process gaps and recommend enhancements to improve AR efficiency and accuracy.
• Support system testing, automation initiatives, or configuration changes affecting AR processes.
• Maintain proper documentation to ensure audit trails and control compliance.

5. Compliance, Audit, and Process Improvement (10%)

• Ensure adherence to accounting policies, internal controls, and financial governance requirements.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to queries.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and efficiency within AR operations.
• Contribute to the development and refinement of AR procedures and standard operating practices.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Minimum Qualifications:

(Education/Certification/Licensure/Professional Membership)

• Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy, Finance, Commerce, or equivalent discipline.
• Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA) is preferred or in progress.
• Knowledge of accounting standards and financial reporting principles.

Minimum Experience:

• 5–7 years of experience in accounts receivable, financial accounting, or related finance roles.
• Experience handling complex reconciliations, reporting, and customer account management.
• Strong exposure to ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP) and financial reporting processes.

Job Specific Competencies:

1. Accounts Receivable Expertise: Applies strong technical knowledge to manage receivables processes, reconciliations, and collections effectively.

2. Financial Analysis and Reporting: Analyzes receivable balances, aging trends, and risks to support accurate reporting and decision-making.

3. ERP Systems and Data Management: Demonstrates strong proficiency in ERP systems for invoicing, reconciliation, and financial reporting.

4. Internal Controls and Compliance: Ensures adherence to financial policies, accounting standards, and audit requirements.

5. Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking: Identifies root causes of discrepancies and implements effective solutions.

6. Stakeholder and Customer Management: Engages effectively with internal teams and customers to resolve issues and improve collection outcomes.

7. Process Improvement and Efficiency: Recommends and supports improvements that enhance AR processes, controls, or automation.