A reputable organization based in Nairobi is seeking a skilled and experienced Receivables Accountant to join its finance team. This role is critical in managing the customer risk, ensuring that the accounts receivable ledger is accurately maintained, and providing insightful financial reporting to senior management. The organization is looking to hire one qualified candidate for this full-time position, with a strong background in credit control, collections, and receivables management.
Introduction
Accounts receivable management plays a pivotal role in maintaining a company’s financial health. Timely collections, accurate ledger entries, and proactive credit control measures ensure that cash flows remain optimal and business operations continue uninterrupted. This position is designed for a finance professional who not only understands the intricacies of credit and debt management but is also committed to maintaining the integrity and accuracy of financial data while supporting the operational needs of the sales and legal departments.
The successful candidate will serve as a key link between finance, sales, and legal teams, ensuring that customer accounts are managed effectively and that credit policies are adhered to throughout the organization. The role will also require attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the ability to implement continuous improvements to existing systems and processes.
Position Title: Receivables Accountant
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Number of Positions: 1
Experience Level: Minimum 3 years
Industry: Finance / Accounting
Job Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 21st August 2025
Primary Purpose and Scope of the Job
The primary purpose of the Receivables Accountant is to manage customer risk in accordance with agreed terms and maintain the accounts receivable ledger with high accuracy. This position also supports senior management with financial insights and data relating to receivables while offering administrative assistance to the sales team. The successful candidate will also contribute to the broader organizational goals by improving workflow systems, enforcing financial controls, and maintaining compliance with audit requirements.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Accounts Receivable Ledger Maintenance
- Maintain an up-to-date accounts receivable ledger.
- Update customer statuses, location details, distribution codes, credit limits, and customer groupings.
- Ensure accurate documentation and system input of customer details.
- Credit Application and Verification
- Oversee the credit application process.
- Verify all incoming credit applications for accuracy and completeness.
- Approve and input new customer accounts into the financial system upon validation.
- Turnover and Statistical Reporting
- Monitor and manage turnover reports and related statistics.
- Provide periodic updates to senior management on revenue and collections trends.
- Age Analysis Review and Default Management
- Conduct bi-weekly reviews of the customer age analysis.
- Identify customers in default and initiate timely action.
- Collaborate with internal departments to manage credit risks.
- Debt Collection Responsibilities
- Take full ownership and accountability for customer debt collections.
- Implement follow-up mechanisms to recover outstanding debts.
- Maintain proper communication records for collections undertaken.
- Cash Collection Management
- Monitor and ensure that cash collection timelines are aligned with agreed key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Propose and enforce strategies to improve collection days and overall cash flow performance.
- Account Reconciliation and Credit Terms Monitoring
- Review all open customer account items to ensure reconciliations are accurate.
- Match payments received with customer accounts based on agreed credit terms.
- Address discrepancies between invoices and payments in a timely manner.
- Support to Legal Department
- Provide necessary documentation and support to the legal department for cases requiring legal action against defaulting customers.
- Ensure legal follow-ups are initiated in a timely manner.
- Stock Release Authorization
- Approve stock releases for Cash on Delivery (COD) and cash-before-delivery customers.
- Confirm receipt of payments before authorizing any stock movements.
- Credit Note Management
- Oversee the timely and accurate processing of credit notes.
- Ensure that credit note issuance is properly justified and documented to maintain accuracy in accounts receivables and revenue reporting.
- Delivery and Fulfillment Controls
- Maintain strong oversight over outstanding deliveries.
- Work with logistics and sales to ensure pending deliveries are addressed to avoid disputes.
- Customer Payment Processing
- Ensure all collections are posted accurately and timely in accordance with remittances from customers.
- Minimize delays in recording payments received.
- Policy Implementation and Compliance
- Enforce internal credit and receivables policies across departments.
- Train staff on compliance requirements where necessary.
- System Reviews and Process Improvements
- Regularly evaluate current systems and workflows to enhance efficiency.
- Recommend and implement process improvements to facilitate a more streamlined receivables function.
- Audit and Internal Controls
- Maintain high audit standards across the receivables ledger.
- Ensure internal controls are consistently enforced to reduce financial risk.
Key Accountabilities
The Receivables Accountant is expected to deliver on the following key accountabilities:
- Comprehensive management of customer accounts
- Timely and effective debt collection
- Achievement of cash collection targets within set KPIs
- Up-to-date and accurate receivable ledger maintenance
- On-time and accurate financial reporting
- Contribution to the successful implementation and optimization of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
- Continuous system improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing departmental efficiency
- Effective implementation and monitoring of internal financial processes
- Professional engagement with both internal and external stakeholders, including clients, sales, logistics, and legal teams
Key Result Areas / Performance Indicators
The performance of the Receivables Accountant will be assessed based on the following indicators:
- Customer accounts are updated and reconciled regularly
- Default customers are followed up within policy timelines
- Collection days are maintained at or below agreed thresholds
- Ledger reconciliations reflect accurate balances
- Reporting deadlines are met without delays or errors
- ERP systems are utilized effectively for receivables management
- Internal processes are adhered to, and policy compliance is enforced
- Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams
Job Specifications
This role is designed for professionals with a strong understanding of financial systems and a track record in managing receivables and credit control functions. The individual must possess both technical accounting skills and the ability to coordinate and influence internal and external stakeholders.
Key Functional Requirements
- Proficiency in managing accounts receivable processes in medium to large organizations
- Strong understanding of credit control, account reconciliation, and debt collection practices
- Ability to analyze financial data and produce actionable reports
- Experience working with ERP systems in a financial environment
- Proven ability to implement and monitor financial controls and policies
- Capacity to suggest and lead process improvement initiatives
Work Relationships and Stakeholder Engagement
The role requires regular interaction with:
- Sales and marketing teams for credit and customer coordination
- Legal department for default and legal follow-ups
- Logistics and inventory teams for stock and delivery management
- Senior finance personnel for reporting and strategy input
- Customers and external stakeholders regarding collections and account queries
Experience Requirements
Applicants should have a minimum of three years’ experience in a similar role. Candidates with up to five years of experience will be preferred. The experience should be demonstrable in the areas of receivables management, debt collection, financial reconciliations, and policy implementation. Prior involvement with ERP systems and financial reporting will be an added advantage.
Location
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Candidates must be available for in-person responsibilities and team collaboration based at the organization’s Nairobi office.
Minimum Educational and Professional Qualification
- A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related discipline
- CPA (K) or CIMA qualification is required
Salary Information
Salary for this position will be commensurate with experience. While the advertised salary range has not been disclosed, it is competitive and aligned with market expectations for similar roles in Nairobi.
Application Details
Interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by 21st August 2025. Only one candidate will be selected for this position.
Applications should be sent via email as per the instructions provided in the original job posting.
Note: Please ensure your application includes a detailed CV, cover letter, and any supporting documentation relevant to your qualifications and experience.
For candidates with a strong foundation in accounts receivable management and a desire to contribute to the financial efficiency of a dynamic organization, this opportunity provides a suitable platform for growth and professional development.
