Credit Manager

SIGNAL HILL PRODUCTS

Overall Responsibility

The Credit Manager is responsible for leading the Accounts Receivable and Credit Control function to optimise cash flow, minimise bad debt, and manage customer credit risk. The role develops and implements credit policies, oversees collections, manages customer credit limits, and partners with Commercial, Sales and Finance to ensure sustainable business growth while maintaining effective working capital.

The Credit Manager is accountable for ensuring the integrity of the debtor's ledger, driving collection performance, resolving complex customer disputes, and ensuring compliance with company policies and financial controls.

Focus Area 1: Credit Risk Management

Review and approve customer credit applications and credit limits.
Assess customer creditworthiness using financial information and credit reports.
Monitor customer credit exposure and recommend changes to credit limits.
Manage customer payment terms in line with company policy.
Identify high-risk accounts and implement mitigation strategies.
Minimise bad debt exposure while supporting commercial growth.

Focus Area 2: Accounts Receivable Management

Oversee the complete Accounts Receivable function.
Ensure customer accounts are accurately maintained.
Monitor debtor ageing and collection performance.
Drive timely collection of outstanding debts.
Review overdue accounts and implement recovery actions.
Escalate significant overdue accounts where necessary.
Approve account settlements where delegated.

Focus Area 3: Cash Flow & Working Capital

Improve debtor days (DSO).
Optimise working capital through effective collections.
Forecast expected cash collections.
Monitor daily cash inflows.
Identify collection risks and provide mitigation plans.
Support the business in achieving working capital targets

Focus Area 4: Customer Relationship Management

Build strong relationships with key customers.
Resolve customer account disputes promptly.
Work closely with Sales and Commercial teams to balance customer relationships with credit risk.
Ensure excellent customer service while maintaining credit discipline.
Participate in customer review meetings where required.

Focus Area 5: Financial Controls & Compliance

Ensure compliance with company credit policies.
Maintain robust financial controls within the credit function.
Review account reconciliations.
Monitor unapplied cash and account allocations.
Support month-end and year-end financial close.
Ensure audit readiness.
Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and internal controls.

Focus Area 6: Reporting & Analysis

Prepare monthly debtor reports.
Analyse debtor ageing

Report On

Collection performance
Overdue debt
Bad debt
Credit exposure
DSO (Days Sales Outstanding)
Customer payment trends
Cash collection forecasts
Identify trends and recommend improvement initiatives.
Present reports

Focus Area 7: Leadership & Team Management

Lead and develop the Credit Control team.
Set performance objectives.
Coach and mentor team members.
Conduct performance reviews.
Ensure workload is effectively managed.
Promote continuous improvement.
Drive a high-performance culture.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Finance, Accounting or Credit Management.
Minimum 5–7 years' experience in Credit Control or Accounts Receivable.
Minimum 3 years' people management experience.
FMCG, liquor or manufacturing industry experience is essential.
Experience managing a large national debtors' book.
Strong understanding of credit risk management.
ERP system experience (SYSPRO preferred).
Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency.

Skills And Competencies

Credit management and accounts receivable
Credit risk and debtor management
Financial analysis, reporting and budgeting
ERP systems and advanced Microsoft Excel
Strong analytical, commercial and problem-solving skills
Leadership, negotiation and relationship management
Excellent communication, planning and organisational skills
High attention to detail and accountability