Credit Control and Accounts Receivable Specialist

About Proof Drinks is a leading independent UK importer, distributor, and brand-builder for premium spirits, beers, and no-or-low alcohol beverages. Since 2010, we’ve been developing category challenging and leading drinks brands in the UK market, using our expert knowledge of the drinks sector, elevating them to be as exciting and appealing as possible. We do this through our skilled UK wide sales team, brilliant in-house marketing team and nationwide distribution network.An opportunity has arisen to join our finance team in a credit control and accounts receivable role. The role has a lot of variety with a broad scope for development. The customer base is diverse, from large retail entities to independent bottle shops to direct to consumer sales. The role requires continuing the dedication currently given to providing excellent customer service.The use of AI for system development and efficiencies is expected. This is still at the design stage and we see this as key to all roles across the business and to be actively embraced. Successful candidates will be able to take advantage of mentoring to support you in achieving your career goals and aspirations. Proof Drinks aims to promote an inclusive and supportive environment where no one person is bigger than the team. A good team spirit is evident as a result of the visibility of the senior team and interaction with staff at all levels, across all teams. We take pride in achieving high levels of customer satisfaction, recognising it as vital for driving a profitable and successful business.  Responsibilities and dutiesManagement of trade debtors ledgerSet up of new customers from business partner form.Daily reconciliation of receipts on customer accounts.Review for possible contras (working with the wider finance team).Management of the customer debit notes (deductions), including review of remittances, identification of debit notes, chasing these with customers, processing these through our AP system for approval and ensuring they are posted to SAP for allocation.Credit controlMaintain relationship with credit insurance providers and ensure customers have sufficient credit limits in place.Chase overdue payments.Support the implementation of an automated dunning system to reduce need for manual intervention.In conjunction with management, negotiate payment plans with customers who are unable to pay to terms.Manage internal escalation process for debts which become significantly overdue.Cash forecastingUpdate the daily cash forecast for receipts, remittances and payment confirmations.Develop the existing report to ensure it is fit for purpose and easy to maintain.Month endClose sales ledgerLiaise with operations team to get sales invoices finalised in accordance with revenue recognition requirements.Ensure all accounts are reconciled (including debit notes).Review aged debtors for bad debts, review with Head of Finance - post journals to provide for these.Send automated statements to customers.Balance sheet reconciliations.Preparation of monthly ledger review report and presentation to Head of Finance - this will start as fortnightly to facilitate understanding of the customers.BankingPosting receipts and payments.Reconcile multiple currency bank accounts.OtherManage receivables inbox.Manage EDI order and invoice system (supermarket orders).Review of receipts for pro forma invoices and liaising with the operations team on these.Credit notes - review return requests from operations team and issue credit notes.Assisting with resolving invoice based issues and ensuring they are allocated to the appropriate team to fix. Role requirementsKnowledge of/experience in a similar role (credit control/accounts receivable) - we are prepared to invest time training the right candidate.Strong organisational skills.Willingness to pick up the phone and resolve issues directly with customers.Critical thinking and able to take initiative whilst keeping management sufficiently informed.Willingness to engage with developing current systems and processes.Strong skills in excel and other O365 apps.  Nice to have – Not essential but would be a bonus to have experience with/understanding of:SAP Business OneEDIInvoice discountingOther InformationPermanent role, full timeReporting to the Head of FinancePart of a wider finance team of sixHybrid working – in the office with the team three days a week (Tuesday - Thursday)Standard hours are 9am – 5pmOffice base – London Bridge/BermondseyBenefitsCompetitive salary – please outline your expectations in the screening questions22 days holiday + 3 days over Christmas + bank holidaysA paid day off for your birthdayStaff orders of stock at discounted rateStatutory pensionEmployee assistance programmeAccess to discounts portal and discounted gym membershipDeath in service benefit (after probation)Critical illness cover (after probation)Applicant AdminApplications will close on 31st August - if no suitable candidate is found then they will re-open.Shortlisted candidates will be invited first to a short Teams call.Candidates progressing after this will be invited to a second stage interview in person, with a short test of competency.We expect to be able to make a decision after that second interview.We are unable to provide feedback to unsuccessful candidates.