Accountant - Credit Control (Nairobi)

Role Overview

This position is embedded in the finance team and exists to safeguard the company’s cash position by turning approved sales into collected revenue. Day to day, you will assess credit risk, keep customer accounts accurate, chase overdue invoices, and negotiate repayment terms — all while balancing firmness with a professional, customer-focused approach. Your success matters because timely collections reduce bad debt and directly support the company’s working capital and financial stability.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and validate credit applications, including financial documentation and payment histories, before approving or rejecting credit terms.
• Set appropriate credit limits for customers in the accounting system and adjust them periodically based on payment behaviour and changing risk.
• Reconcile debtor accounts by matching payments, investigating discrepancies, and ensuring the sub-ledger matches the general ledger.
• Issue customer statements on schedule and respond to account queries from both internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Monitor debtor ageing and proactively follow up on overdue invoices through calls, emails, and formal reminders until accounts are cleared.
• Negotiate structured repayment plans for customers facing cash flow problems while keeping a clear record of all agreed commitments.
• Produce regular credit control reports that highlight collection performance, ageing trends, and risk areas for management action.
• Coordinate with sales teams to resolve disputes that delay payment and with external recovery providers on accounts needing escalation.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, commerce, or a related field.
• Professional accounting certification such as CPA(K) or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• Minimum of five years of practical experience in credit control, accounts receivable, or commercial debt management.
• Proven understanding of credit risk assessment, collections processes, and account reconciliation in a business-to-business environment.
• Advanced Excel ability, including pivots, lookups, and financial modelling, alongside solid experience with Sage or other accounting systems.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with careful attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to handle difficult conversations professionally.
• A demonstrated track record of working independently, managing competing priorities, and meeting strict deadlines with integrity.