The Associate Accountant is responsible for managing assigned customer accounts within the Accounts Receivable (AR) portfolio, ensuring timely collection of outstanding balances, resolving customer disputes, supporting credit-related activities, and maintaining accurate financial records. This role collaborates closely with Sales, Customer Service, Credit, VAT, and other internal teams to support cash flow objectives and maintain positive customer relationships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage an assigned portfolio of customer accounts and monitor outstanding balances.
- Perform proactive collection activities through phone calls, emails, and other communication channels to ensure timely payment.
- Achieve monthly collection and aging targets while maintaining strong customer relationships.
- Follow up on delinquent accounts and escalate unresolved issues when necessary.
- Maintain accurate and updated collection notes, account details, and customer records.
- Investigate and resolve payment discrepancies, deductions, and disputes.
- Perform account reconciliations to ensure the accuracy of customer balances.
- Support unidentified and unallocated cash resolution activities.
- Coordinate with internal stakeholders to resolve invoice, payment, and credit-related concerns.
- Respond to customer inquiries professionally and within agreed timelines.
- Collaborate with Customer Service, Order Management, Sales, and Finance teams to resolve customer disputes efficiently.
- Support credit memo, rebill, and adjustment processes as required.
- Maintain and analyze AR aging reports and collection performance metrics.
- Identify collection trends, high-risk accounts, and potential issues impacting cash flow.
- Support month-end closing activities and reporting requirements.
- Participate in process improvement and automation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and reporting accuracy.
Qualifications/Requirements:
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Accountancy, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
Experience
- At least 2 years of experience in Accounts Receivable, Collections, or Credit functions.
- Experience working in a shared services environment is preferred.
- Experience handling international customers is an advantage.
Skills
- Strong collection and negotiation skills.
- Good understanding of Accounts Receivable processes and practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong customer service orientation with keen attention to detail.
