Latin American Credit and A/ RManager

Join a Multi National Corporation in this newly created opportunity due to the region’s growth to over see their Latin American Credit and Accounts receivable function ( region has sales of  approximately 250 million and is growing). The successful candidate will be leading a team of 7 direct and 21 total professionals as well as interfacing with internal business unit managers, sales representatives and other key people in the financial organization as well as external customers and auditors.  The successful candidate must be trilingual in Spanish, English and Portuguese. The position is high profile and will have travel responsibilities to the USA corporate headquarters as well as to other operations in Latin America.  The position reports to the Global Credit Manager and has responsibility for the following main duties:

• Manages the execution of the established credit risk management program for the Latin America Region including risk assessment, setting credit limits, and risk mitigation alternatives to reduce exposure and maximize profitability (guarantees, credit insurance, letters of credit, documentary collections, secured transactions, cash in advance, etc…)
• Manages the execution of the established trade customer collection program for the Latin America Region including active past due customer follow up, escalation of key delinquency issues, terms enforcement, and coordination of key issues with appropriate Customer and Sales/Finance Management.
• Managers the application of cash receipts to the JDE A/R system and reconciles to the General Ledger.
• Monitors Credit & Collection staff schedules and develops coverage plans for (a) and (b) above.
• Respond to, and monitor status of customers who are insolvent, bankrupt, or have been placed for collection in order to maximize our recovery and maintain adequate specific reserves for doubtful accounts.
• Executes the monthly specific reserve and experience based general allowance for doubtful account process.
• Perform periodic self testing and other review procedures to ensure credit and accounts receivable portfolio status meets internal and external requirements (Sox/Audit)
• Execute monthly management reporting of Credit and Accounts receivable for Management.
• Manages reporting and explanations for Trade Receivables with external auditors KPMG on a quarterly basis.
• Set objectives and assess performance of LASS Credit & Collection staff and ensure staff development needs are met.
• Special projects as required to maintain compliance with Latin America Region organization/business structure changes—e.g. merger of business entities, change in BU structure…

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THIS INCUMBENT DEALS WITH ON A FAIRLY REGULAR BASIS.

• Sales: Reps, Managers, BU Directors, Finance Business Partners
• Customer Service Reps and Team Leaders
• Internal and External Auditors
• Treasury and Chief Accountancy Managers
• External Customers—Accounts Payable, Finance Management, Owners

 Qualifications

• University Degree in Business, Finance, or Accounting
• 5 years of commensurate commercial credit experience required
• Intermediate to advanced level of PC and A/R system application skills
• Strong written and oral communication skills—Spanish & English & Portuguese   
• Demonstrated negotiation skills
• Ability to travel (occasionally) for credit conferences and customer visits

Qualifications--Preferred     

• JD Edwards A/R System Experience
• Credit Certification
• Experience with marginal risk mgmt. including customer visits and secured transactions
• Experience with insolvencies, bankruptcies, and accounts placed with collection agencies
• Understanding of Credit Insurance process