Account Receivable Manager Southern Africa

Syngenta Group is one of the world’s leading sustainable agriculture innovation companies, with roots going back more than 250 years. Our 53,000 people across more than 100 countries strive every day to transform agriculture through tailor-made solutions for the benefit of farmers, society and our planet – making us the world’s most local agricultural technology and innovation partner.

Syngenta Group is committed to operating at the highest standards of ethics and integrity. This is a commitment that we are making to investors, customers, society and employees. Syngenta Group is also committed to maintaining a workplace environment free from discrimination and Harassment.

Role Purpose 

• The Account Receivable Manager (ARM) is responsible for high quality and consistent Trade Finance Credit Management (TFCM) operational service support to the BA:• to local organization in Zambia
• to direct business in Southern Africa: provide service support to the TFCM Business Partner responsible for AME and Export business and the respective financial processes. This includes the Swiss (CH030), French (FR013) and Dutch (NL09) Exports.

• Provide support to broader AME Credit management process as and when required (e.g. back up with team)
• Support other ad-hoc finance activities 

Accountabilities

What

• Operates all functions defined in the local Trade Finance Credit Management policy. This includes financial authorizations according to the local delegation of authority (DoA) reflecting the segregation of duties between the TFCM and ARM
• Credit Assessment: The ARM analyses all customers as per the existing customer segmentation, and initiates and coordinates all measures to reduce risk exposures for the relevant customers. This includes financial authorization according to the local Delegation of Authority (DoA), reflecting the segregation of duties between TFCM and ARM and blocked orders review
• Credit Control: Implementing and maintaining a system of credit checks and controls to minimize the risk of late or non-payment.
• Debt Collection: Overseeing the collection of outstanding debts, e.g. contacting customers directly, negotiating payment plans, or initiating collection procedures. The ARM carries out all collection activities in line with the collection strategy
• Dispute Resolution: Managing and resolving disputes and discrepancies related to billing and collections in a timely and professional manner.
• Cash Allocation: Ensuring that incoming payments are correctly allocated to the respective customer accounts and invoices
• Reporting: Preparing regular reports on the status of accounts receivable, aging of receivables, Bad Debts Doubtful Provision and write-offs, cash flow forecasts, and other financial metrics related to receivables.
• Process Improvement: Continuously reviewing and improving accounts receivable processes and systems to increase efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Compliance:• Ensuring that all accounts receivable activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Participate and support BA Credit Committee
• Support Internal and External Audit

How

• Be a trusted finance partner, supporting all activities in scope, on recurring and ad hoc finance topics
• Build relationships across multiple finance functional teams and commercial teams to share and align best practices
• Build strong business relationships with customers
• Develop understanding of Syngenta's business and interaction between the different business units and functional reporting lines

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Critical qualification, systems & experience

• Bachelor in Economics or Finance
• Good knowledge of the company’s ERP system (SAP); knowledge of FSCM is preferential.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a corporate credit management team

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Good English required and any other language of the BA would be a plus
• Ability to prioritise, especially to work under pressure and tight deadlines
• Ability to work independently as well as within (cross-) functional teams
• Experience working in matrix and international environment.
• High focus and energy, with a pragmatic mindset and solution-oriented approach
• Good knowledge of Trade Finance instruments (Letter of Credit, Documentary Collections, guarantees) and Ways of Working in export markets
• Knowledge of the countries’ economics, Syngenta’s customer base, and the general business environment

Critical success factors & key challenges

• Ability to handle multiple and remote stakeholders, priorities and deadlines
• Working in virtual teams
• Ability to make decision independently and to reason
• Sound professional judgement
• Effective communication and influencing skills (customers, commercial team)

Location: Zambia