The Credit Control Manager is responsible for ensuring timely collection of outstanding invoices, minimizing bad debts, and maintaining effective Credit Risk Management processes while adhering to global / local policy requirements. This role plays a critical part in managing company’s cash flow and financial health.

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor receivables balances on a daily basis to ensure timely collection and work towards meeting the monthly cash flow target.
• Set and review credit limits periodically and evaluate new credit requests.
• Prepare regular reports such as Aging, Collection, DSO and participate in month end closing period by preparing bad debt accrual and other necessary provisions.
• Drive the seasonal / annual forecast of customer rebates in collaboration with FP&A team.
• Act as a business partner to Sales Team and provide information on a timely manner by highlighting the opportunities and risks that will impact the net sales.
• Support sell out support budget preparation and provide up to date information to Marketing Team to help with accurate forecasting.
• Supervise junior team members on timely deposits of post-dated cheques, negotiating Letter of Credits and maintaining up to date Bank Guarantees.
• Follow up on Letter of Credit discrepancies and in collaboration with Customer Service Team.
• Monitor and control the release of shipments to ensure minimum risk for the company.
• Provide information to line manager and other stakeholders on customer’s credit history and support in potential legal cases.
• Ensure customer account reconciliations are carried out on regular basis.
• Have an excellent service mentality to all internal stakeholders.
• Participate in the development and implementation of systems and tools to improve credit control efficiency.
• Support and guide Accounting Team with receivables related bookings.
• Give full support to the external auditors for all AR related questions.
• Lead and motivate a team of credit controllers, setting their targets and monitoring performance. Be responsible for their training and development.
• Be the first point of contact and support for the line manager. Step in in his / her absence to support Senior Leadership Team.

KPI’s:

• Reduction of aged debt (overdue %)
• Days of Sales Outstanding (DSO)
• Bad Debt
• Team performance metrics

Key Relationships:

• Global:  Ad hoc dealing with Group Accounting and adidas subsidiaries.
• Regional:  Emerging Markets.
• Internal: 
  • Sales & Customer Service Teams
  • Operations & Supply Chain Teams
  • Marketing Team
  • Internal Control Team
• External: Customers, Banks, Auditors.

Knowledge and Skills:

• SAP ERP system.
• Expert skills in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, PowerPoint a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Accounting knowledge of IFRS and local GAAP.
• Excellent analytical and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and develop a team.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience in a credit control role, with at least 5 years in a managerial or supervisory position.
• Industry: Ideally apparel/fashion/shoes or FMCG.