Credit Manager

Company / Location Information

We are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of water heating and water treatment technologies in the world. We are a $3.5 billion company with 140+ years history and we employ more than 12,000 individuals globally who pride themselves on providing the world with innovative water technology. We are committed to Continuous Improvement, not just in our factories or processes, but in our people.

Primary Function

The Credit Manager:

• Evaluates credit applications of new customers and recommends credit limits.

• Monitors credit risk of existing customers.

• Administers collection programs to maximize cash flow.

• Monitors and manages the collection of overdue accounts and unauthorized deductions.

Responsibilities

• Proven experience in credit analysis, risk assessment and collections.

• Prior experience in credit manager or similar role preferred

• Knowledge of credit laws and regulations

• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail

• Interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with customers, sales and customer service staff to address any credit related issues and resolve disputes

• Good knowledge of accounting/financial and business principle’s – accounting designation is preferred.

• Strong Microsoft Office skills.

• Demonstrated ability to influence others through effective verbal and written communication

• Ideal candidate would have SAP knowledge/experience

• Conversant in French and English.

Role Specific Responsibilities

• Supervise, train and develop a team of credit analysts and collections professionals.
• Review existing and new customer accounts for credit worthiness and set appropriate credit limits to the respective accounts.
• Monitor and report on the company’s credit exposure and accounts receivable portfolio.
• Develop financial evaluation systems and procedures to control potential credit losses while supporting continued sales growth.
• Assist in the design and implementation of North America credit policies and procedures to control potential losses from credit exposure and maximize cash flow.
• Continuously analyze portfolio in terms of the credit risk and the economic environment and recommend actions necessary to maintain credit risk within the tolerance levels established by management.
• Ensure compliance with credit policy through periodic reviews of the portfolio.
• Present strategies to reduce loss exposure on accounts.
• Analyze customer credit profile and perform credit research, including evaluation of credit rating agency information used to assist in granting credit.
• Perform periodic risk reduction analysis on current customer.
• Prepare credit analysis to substantiate findings and recommendation of appropriate line of credit and security for that line.
• Develop and implement strategies to ensure collection of current and past due balances.
• Prepare accounts receivable reports including department metrics, accounts receivable aging, DBO, collections, referrals to collection agencies, etc.
• Audit delinquent accounts considered to be uncollectible to ensure maximum efforts have been taken before assigning bad debt status to account.
• Supervise and continuously improve the credit hold release procedures to ensure compliance with corporate policy.
• Report to upper management on problem accounts, non-policy compliance issues, and related topics in a timely manner. 
• Establish credit and collections goals and objectives and monitor key performance metrics to improve AR portfolio performance and to measure the quality and efficiency of the credit and collection related processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field.
• 5+ years related work experience.
• 2+ years supervisory/leadership experience.
• Solid leadership experience to include: setting objectives, monitoring performance and communicating feedback on a regular basis.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate issues and recommendations persuasively and effectively to key stakeholders.
• Maintain an effective and motivated organization through proper selection, training, feedback, coaching, compensation and recognition of staff.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service while maintaining financial systems of high integrity, ethical and compliance with Company policies, procedures and internal controls.
• Strong computer literacy, especially with MS Office Suite and ERP systems like SAP.
• Must be detail oriented with the ability to handle multiple tasks within deadlines, demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize workloads for maximum effectiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct in-depth credit analyses to include risk identification & possible mitigation tactics.
• Proven ability to successfully negotiate with customers regarding financial disclosure, terms & conditions and compliance thereto, risk mitigation, payment plans, etc.

Education

Years of Experience

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.