Accounts Receivable Specialist, EMEA

Overview

The Accounts Receivable Specialist, EMEA will report to the Financial Controller and work closely with client-facing colleagues, other managers within the organization, and the Finance team at the parent company in the USA. The role will be a key contributor to Crosslake EMEA’s accounts receivable (“AR”), client billing and cash collection activities, while also supporting the accurate and timely processing of accounts payable (“AP”) invoices and payments.

A central part of the role is delivering a highly tailored, white-glove approach to credit control. It requires understanding the Crosslake business context of each client engagement and the ability to use that understanding to determine the appropriate timing, tone and route for collection activity.

The role requires strong written and verbal communication as well as sound professional judgement. It is suited to an individual comfortable communicating professionally with stakeholders at all levels of a client organisation, including Finance teams, senior executives or contacts at private equity houses. Client communications must be precise, tailored and support timely collection while supporting the broader client relationship.

Alongside AR, the role will support AP. As Crosslake continues to grow and therefore evolve its Finance working practices to include more automation, the role will oversee AP transactional workflows, resolve exceptions and queries, and maintain appropriate controls.

The role is a crucial part of the business’s operations and is expected to be pro-active in the function’s ongoing commitment to learning and to process improvement. The individual will have a strong proactive mindset, excellent attention to detail and uphold Crosslake’s standards of excellence in client service.

Expected Results

Accounts Receivable, Billing & Collections

Own and lead external credit control across EMEA, driving timely cash collection through a bespoke, relationship-led approach.

Develop a strong understanding of Crosslake’s business in order for the broader context of each client engagement to inform the appropriate collection approach, involving more senior or client-facing stakeholders as appropriate.

Produce timely and accurate client invoices through reviewing business systems and client contracts, for approval by client-facing colleagues.

Build effective relationships with client stakeholders at all levels, adapting approach appropriately.

Draft clear, accurate and highly professional client communications, using strong literacy skills.

Lead internal credit control discussion with client-facing colleagues, gathering relevant project context and agreeing appropriate next steps where their input is required.

Manage AR reporting and maintain clear visibility of collection activity.

Proactively identify potentially risky receivables and establish appropriate collection and escalation plans.

Own the resolution of client invoice queries, coordinating with internal stakeholders where required.

Provide Finance input to the client project setup process to ensure records are appropriate from the outset.

Support cash forecasting by providing an accurate and informed view of expected client collections.

Identify causes of any recurring AR issues, working with the relevant stakeholders on the resolution.

Support the Financial Controller with the execution of AR control procedures around invoice risk mitigation.

Accounts Payable

Process supplier invoices accurately within the finance system and on a timely basis.

Maintain accurate supplier records and ensure invoices have budget owner approval.

Monitor AP workflows to resolve items promptly, working with stakeholders on any underlying causes.

Prepare supplier payments accurately and within timelines, ensuring supporting documentation is in place.

Work effectively with automated processes, to oversee output and investigate exceptions.

Required qualifications

At least 3 years’ experience in a finance function, with strong AR experience and an understanding of the relationship between commercial terms, invoicing and collections, ideally gained within a professional services or other services business.
Demonstrated ability to manage collections in a relationship-led environment, using business context.
Exceptional written English, grammar and literacy, with the ability to produce professional, accurate and appropriately tailored client communications.
Excellent verbal communication and relationship-management skills, with the ability to communicate clearly,  succinctly and professionally with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives.
Proven experience of AP workflows including invoice approval and payment controls.
Exceptional customer service skills, exemplifying Crosslake’s dedication to high-quality client service.
Proficiency in financial software: Excel and preferably NetSuite.
High attention to detail, strong organisational skills and a proactive mindset
Experience of identifying process improvement opportunities and engaging in process change