Accounts Receivable Manager - Elida Beauty

Location: London

Reports to: Regional Financial Controller

Department: Finance

Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Accounts Receivable Manager to lead our team and oversee the management of the accounts receivable function. This individual will be responsible for supervising an internal team of one, while also managing an outsourced team based overseas. The ideal candidate will have a strong retail background, excellent system knowledge, and more than 10 years of experience in accounts receivable management. The role requires a proven ability to work with high volumes of transactions, manage deductions and billbacks, and liaise with auditors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day management of the accounts receivable process, ensuring accurate and timely collection of outstanding debts.
• Lead and mentor the internal team and manage the performance and efficiency of the overseas outsourced accounts receivable team.
• Ensure all accounts receivable records are maintained accurately and in compliance with company policies, regulation meeting business objectives.
• Work closely with auditors, providing necessary documentation and responding to inquiries during audits.
• Handle deductions, billbacks, and dispute resolutions in a timely manner.
• Work with high volumes of accounts receivable transactions, ensuring proper tracking and reporting.
• Establish clear working protocols and processes to monitor KPIs, returns, and refunds, while escalating issues when necessary, in collaboration with third-party partners.
• Closely track BPO performance by ensuring regular reconciliation between the in-house ERP system and third-party reports.
• Actively contribute to the reduction of Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) by developing and implementing effective strategies around risk management.
• Oversee system implementations, upgrades, and ensure the accounts receivable function is integrated into the company’s overall systems.
• Maintain effective communication with internal stakeholders (finance, sales, customer service, etc.) and external stakeholders (customers, auditors, etc.).
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to accounts receivable and ensure the team meets or exceeds targets.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance operational efficiency.
• Implement a robust process with clear escalation route around deduction, billbacks from retailers working closely with the commercial team and finance to reduce exposure to the business.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in accounts receivable or related finance roles, ideally in a retail or high-volume industry (FMCG).
• Proven experience managing a team, with specific experience in managing outsourced teams across multiple countries.
• Strong proficiency in Excel and other financial systems; experience with ERP systems is a plus.
• In-depth understanding of deductions, billbacks, and collections processes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and large volumes of work.
• Spoken French language (preferable) to effectively manage French retailers and other international stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to deal with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and auditors.
• Demonstrated success in reducing DSO and improving cash flow.
• Experience in system implementations and working with auditors during audits.
• Experience in the retail sector is highly desirable.
• A proactive, solution-oriented approach with a focus on continuous process improvement.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in managing accounts receivable in a global organization.
• Ability to navigate through complex financial systems and adapt to new technologies.
• Experience in training and developing team members.

Educational Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field.
• Preferable member of CICM.

Additional Information: This role may require occasional travel, especially to manage overseas outsourced teams.