Finance Business Partner, Accounts Receivable

The Finance Business Partner for Accounts Receivable serves as a critical link between the finance department, sales representatives, administrative functions, and our customers. This role is responsible for managing the credit risk and collection activities of a portfolio of accounts, ensuring the timely payment of outstanding invoices.

As a strategic partner, this individual will develop and implement robust Credit & Collections strategies, establishing objectives and plans that align with the Company's financial goals. Additionally, this role encompasses critical treasury and cash flow reporting functions to ensure East West Seed Tanzania maintains optimal liquidity and accurate financial foresight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Credit Risk Management & Strategy:

• Perform thorough credit checks for every order before it is processed by Supply Chain Management (SCM).
• Identify slow-paying customers and overdue accounts.
• Recommend actionable collection measures in close consultation with sales representatives.
• Develop and implement strategic Credit & Collections plans to support overarching business objectives.
• Utilize financial analysis and credit scoring models to proactively assess, set, and adjust customer credit limits based on market conditions and payment history.

• Accounts Receivable & collections

• Partner with internal business leaders and customers to resolve problems related to invoice payments.
• Strengthen relationships with customers by communicating professionally and effectively regarding past-due accounts.
• Maintain accurate accounts receivable records, by also maintaining customer balance confirmations at least once in a quarter.
• Ensure that ageing reports are up to date, uncollectible amounts are accounted for, and credits and collections are applied accurately.
• Clear unallocated receipts and resolve any accounting differences.
• Streamline the dunning process (payment reminders) using modern means to improve collection efficiency and reduce Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).

• Financial Closing & Compliance - AR

• Oversee the processing, transactions, re-evaluations, reporting, and closing process for all AR matters.
• Ensure the AR function strictly follows proper procedures in accordance with Group and Local accounting policies.
• Ensure all entries related to sales invoices, including the recording of bank deposits, are properly posted every month-end close.
• Receive completed sales orders/invoices and verify the accuracy and completeness of all information, including current pricing, applied discounts, and shipping/handling charges.
• Perform customer account reconciliations monthly and/or upon request.
• Generate monthly customer reconciliation reports and maintain the trial balance through the reconciliation of general ledgers.
• Participate in Monthly/Quarterly Inventory counting and reporting.

• Business Partnering & Analytics

• Prepare detailed A/R analysis reports for management to provide insights into how collection efforts are progressing.
• Support other accounting and finance team members when required.
• Develop and maintain dynamic dashboards (e.g., using Power BI or advanced Excel) for sales and finance leadership to track real-time AR KPIs and working capital metrics.

• Treasury Operations & Reporting (Expanded Scope)

• Prepare proactive cash collection plans from time to time.
• Prepare monthly cash flow tracking reports as well as monthly collection summary reports.
• Assist the Finance Manager in developing the cash flow forecast specifically from a collection’s standpoint.
• Generate weekly liquidity reports to provide management with visibility on available cash balances across company bank accounts.
• Assist in monitoring and reporting on Foreign Exchange (FX) exposure related to multi-currency receivables.
• Oversee and report on bank reconciliations tied to incoming cash flows, ensuring all payments, cheques, and transfers are immediately visible in treasury reporting.

Reporting Structure

• Reports directly to the Finance Manager

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance or a relevant discipline.
• 3+ years of proven experience in a credit or collection role.
• Good command of English.
• Excellent communication and people skills, with a strong aptitude for negotiating and persuading.
• Microsoft Excel user at an intermediate to advanced level (must have experience with Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, and reconciliations).
• Proven experience in debt collection or as a debt collector.
• Experience in working with targets and tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant legal requirements on debt collection.
• Experience with treasury reporting, cash flow forecasting models, and liquidity tracking.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and databases.
• Familiarity with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, MS Dynamics) and data visualization tools is highly advantageous.

Required Competencies

Core competencies

Customer Focus

Cultivates Innovation

Action-oriented

Accountability and drive for results

Collaborates

Communicates effectively

Self-development

Leadership competencies

Business insight

Strategic mindset

Making complex decision (managing complexity, decision quality and balancing stakeholders)

Building effective teams

Drives vision and purpose

Instills trust