DEBTORS MANAGER

DEBTORS MANAGER - 2025

St John’s College is a world-class Christian, African school situated on a magnificent campus in Houghton, Johannesburg, offering quality education from Pre-Primary to Post-Matric. The school has an outstanding academic record and an excellent reputation in sport, music, drama, art and debating.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Debtors Manager to take full responsibility and management of the debtors department and oversee our accounts receivable processes. This role is critical in ensuring timely collection of fees and maintaining positive relationships with families. The ideal candidate will have strong financial acumen, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to supporting the school’s mission.

Main Responsibilities

• Department communication
  • Oversee and verify all information received from Admissions and new pupil intake
• Accounts Management
  • Oversee all aspects of the school’s debtors, including the maintenance of accurate records of student fees, payments, and outstanding balances
• Collection Processes
  • Develop and implement effective strategies for collecting overdue accounts, including reminders, follow-ups, and negotiating payment plans as necessary
• Communication
  • Act as the primary point of contact for families regarding tuition fees and payment queries, providing excellent customer service and support
• Reporting
  • Prepare regular reports on accounts receivable, including aging reports and cash flow projections, and present findings to the school leadership
• Policy Development
  • Collaborate with school administration to develop and update policies related to tuition payments and debt management
• Collaboration
  • Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting and reconciliation of accounts
• Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations related to debt collection and financial management
• Dispute Resolution
  • Address any disputes or concerns raised by families regarding billing or payments in a professional and timely manner

Minimum requirements

• Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field

• Experience
  • Two (2) or more years in the same or similar management role
  • Seven (7) years experience in accounts receivable or debt management
  • Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to debt collection
  • Proficiency in financial software and MS Office Suite, particularly Excel
  • Experience with Pencil Box will be advantageous

Skills and Attributes

• Attention to detail: Focus on data accuracy, spotting patterns and errors
• Problem solving: Identify root causes, generate solutions, and implement the best course of action
• Analytical skills: Analyse data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations based on findings
• Organisation and Time management: Ability to prioritise, manage workloads and meet deadlines efficiently, in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
• Information Management: Use and organise information effectively for decision-making and trend analysis
• Communication skills: Strong verbal, non-verbal, and written communication skills to foster clear, effective relationships
• Receptiveness to feedback: Use feedback to improve performance and adapt accordingly
• Relationship building: Build positive relationships and manage expectations with stakeholders and internal teams for efficient communication
• Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality

Members of staff are expected to demonstrate a commitment to work within the values, Christian ethos and mission of the school.

To apply for this position, please complete this link Job Application - Debtors Manager by no later than Friday, 24 January 2025.

At St John’s College, we are committed to proactive safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our children. All staff who have access to children will be vetted in accordance with the St John’s College safeguarding policy. This policy stipulates that staff are required to undergo all the necessary background checks in keeping with the requirements for safeguarding and child protection in South Africa and all staff perform duties in accordance with our school’s HR Policies.

The school reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. The appointment of candidates is at the sole discretion of St John’s College, taking into account factors such as St John’s College Employment Equity Policy. Applications are welcomed from South African citizens only or persons with a valid work permit. An application will not in itself entitle the applicant to an interview or appointment and failure to meet the minimum requirements of the advertised post will result in applicants automatically disqualifying themselves from consideration. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from St John’s College within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application

St John’s College, in line with POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act) will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all applicants for this role. All reasonable measures will be in place to protect personal information but will be used in the recruitment, selection, and reporting process. By submitting your application for this position, you are recognising and accepting this disclaimer.