The Credit Controller: The External Collections Specialist is responsible for the end-to-end management, optimisation, and oversight of the institution's external debt recovery lifecycle. effective recovery of overdue student fees and related receivables by managing relationships with external collection partners, analysing portfolio performance, enforcing compliance requirements, and driving continuous improvement across external collections processes.
Minimum Requirements
A diploma or degree in, Law, Finance, and / or Accounting.
Minimum of 2 years in an external debt collection management field, preferably within the education sector. Experience coordinating with external collection agencies is highly desirable.
Duties and Responsibilities
Debt Collection Coordination
Coordinate and manage the full external handover process to appointed debt collection agencies.
Monitor agency performance through defined KPIs, recovery rates, and service-level expectations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of recovery strategies and recommend improvement interventions.
Provide timely and accurate documentation required to support external recovery actions.
Account Management
Conduct advanced reviews of debtor accounts to ensure accuracy of balances, allocations, and histories prior to external escalation.
Perform reconciliations for accounts in dispute or with complex queries, ensuring resolution before or during external collections.
Maintain detailed, audit-ready records of all communication, actions taken, and handover decisions.
Compliance and Reporting
Ensure all external collections activities are conducted in line with relevant South African legislation.
Prepare specialist, data-driven reports on portfolio performance, trends, agency effectiveness, ageing analyses, and escalations.
Contribute to developing and refining internal policies, SOPs, and controls related to external debt management.
Stakeholder Communication
Serve as the primary point of contact between the institution and external debt collection agencies.
Collaborate with internal departments, such as Admissions and Student Services, to obtain necessary information for debt recovery.
Manage escalated queries, disputes, and complaints from students or guardians with professionalism and accuracy.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Ensure all activities are in line with the National Credit Act and other relevant South African laws governing debt collection.
Uphold strict confidentiality and handle all debtor information with the utmost discretion and integrity.
Functional and Behavioural Competencies
Functional Competencies:
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel.
Familiarity with financial software systems is beneficial, especially Dynamics 365 F&O and Swordfish.
Strong understanding of credit control processes, governance, and compliance frameworks.
Behavioural Competencies:
Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse account data and identify discrepancies.
Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities to interact effectively with external agencies and internal stakeholders.
Organizational Skills: Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple accounts and deadlines.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in maintaining accurate records and documentation.
* Problem-Solving: Proactive in identifying issues and implementing effective solutions.
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