Accounts Receivable Officer

Package Description

Britax Childcare is an international market leader in the manufacture and distribution of child safety car seats and wheeled goods. The global market is divided into three regions: Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific.  Australia is the largest business in the Asia Pacific, known as Britax Childcare Pty Ltd and is headquartered in Port Melbourne. The primary brands are Britax, Safe-n-Sound, Steelcraft, Hipod and Babylove. 

 The business operates under the following values:

• We care about protecting the dreams of our customers, our people, and our world. Realized by outstanding safety, fostering our employees with a commitment to improving lives.
• We trust in our products to protect the dreams of our customers all over the world. We trust in our people who come together with a common purpose, where differences make us better and enable us to create an environment where everyone belongs.
• We are curious because we ask questions and connect with our people, by listening thoughtfully, elevating their voices, and ensuring their dreams are our starting point.

Reporting to the Financial Controller ANZ, the Accounts Receivable Officer is responsible for the control and management of debtor collections and the debtors’ ledger, including building and maintaining close links with customers to ensure the smooth running of accounts and timely payments for both the Australian and New Zealand businesses. 

Key Accountabilities:

• Accurate allocation of debtor receipts.
• Accurately allocate customer credits, discounts and rebates to invoices and customer accounts.
• Confirm payment receipts as requested by customers.
• Effective follow up of overdue payments with customers, liaising with Key Account Managers, Customer Service and collection agencies as necessary.
• Ensure all payments, credits and queries are reconciled on all customer accounts listed on the monthly trial balance report.
• Accurate processing of customer credit card payments.
• Thoroughly check credit applications for completeness and accuracy of legal entity name and structure. Follow up on customer trade references and complete a credit check with a credit reporting agency (Equifax / Veda).
• Maintain relevant customer database information.
• Register and maintain customers on PPSR as required.
• Daily review of customers on “credit hold” and release as appropriate. If necessary, seek approval for release from the Financial Controller / Finance Director.
• Check requests for credits to ensure pricing is correct, stock has been returned and that there is proof of receipt and that it has been booked to the correct warehouse.
• Accurately process refunds for overpayments, returned products, incorrect item supplied or not delivered on time.
• On a monthly basis reconcile the Debtor’s Ledger to the General Ledger and generate and send out statements to all customers.
• Follow up and action customer queries, for example: shortages, incorrect pricing, orders not received awaiting credits, stock returns, copy invoices, proof and deliveries etc. 
• Regular review of credit limits in conjunction with Financial Controller / Finance Director.
• Prepare Credit Hold and Overdue reports. 
• Participate in relevant cross-functional projects to improve business processes and systems.
• Provide Cash Flow details for weekly Short Term Cash Flow forecasts.
• Any other Adhoc requests.

Capabilities Required: 

• Sound knowledge and proficient use of the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Powerpoint, Word &
Outlook) and ERP systems (Microsoft D365 preferred)
• Ability to work to strict daily, weekly and monthly deadlines
• Demonstrated organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Able to adapt to changing circumstances as the business evolves
• Outstanding skills in conflict resolutions and negotiation
• Provide weekly Cash Inflow forecasts for Australian and New Zealand Debtors 
• The ability to work unsupervised and in a cooperative and collaborative manner in a team
environment. 

Experience Required: 

• Previous experience in similar role/s (Wholesale environment preferred).
• Strong understanding of credit control, debtors’ management and cash flow.