About the position
Our client, based in Southern Suburbs of Cape Town, is seeking a Debtors Controller to join their team. The Debtors Controller is responsible for monitoring and managing the company's accounts receivable, ensuring timely collection of outstanding debts, and providing accurate financial reports for forecasting purposes. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work closely with the reservations team and external booking agents.
Key Responsibilities:
- Liaising with Booking Agents: Regularly communicate with booking agents to resolve outstanding billing issues, discrepancies, and disputes. Ensure that all invoices are accurately recorded and promptly sent to booking agents.
- Follow-up on Outstanding Direct Customer Bookings: Collaborate with the reservations team to track and follow up on outstanding payments from direct customer bookings. Provide support and guidance to reservations team members to ensure timely collection of outstanding debts.
- Preparing Debtors Ageing and Cash Flow Reports: Compile and analyze debtors ageing reports to track the aging of outstanding invoices. Prepare cash flow reports based on receivables data for forecasting purposes, providing insights into future cash flow projections.
- Daily Allocation of Receipts: Perform daily reconciliation of receipts received in the bank against reservation bookings. Update relevant debtor schedules and maintain accurate records of all transactions.
- Weekly Reconciliation of Prepaid Revenue: Conduct weekly reconciliation of prepaid revenue with bank statements and income control balance sheet accounts. Identify and resolve any discrepancies to ensure the accuracy of financial records.
- Preparing Monthly Netting Journals: Generate monthly netting journals to clear income control accounts, reconciling revenue streams and ensuring accurate financial reporting. Collaborate with the finance team to ensure compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
- Monitoring Accounts Receivable: Monitor accounts receivable aging and identify trends or issues requiring attention. Implement strategies to minimize outstanding debts and improve cash flow management.
- Customer Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with booking agents and reservations team. Conduct weekly meetings with reservations team members and provide support to the Head of Reservations with respect to compiling debtors reports. Address inquiries and concerns promptly to ensure a positive customer experience and timely resolution of billing issues.
- Financial Analysis and Reporting: Provide analysis and insights into revenue trends, debtors aging, and cash flow projections to support strategic decision-making.
- Process Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements related to debtors management, revenue reconciliation, and financial reporting. Implement best practices to streamline workflows and enhance efficiency in debtors control operations.
Qualifications and Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in accounting, Finance or related field, and/or credit management certification and experience.
- At least 2 years proven experience in debtors’ control, accounts receivable management, or related financial role, preferably in the hospitality industry.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in accounting software (XERO advantageous) and Microsoft Office Suite (intermediate level proficiency for Excel).
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Problem-solving mindset with a proactive approach to resolving issues.
- Team player with the ability to collaborate across departments and functions.
Desired Skills:
- Debtors Controller
- Finance
- Accounting
