My client is seeking an experienced Credit & Collections Manager to lead Credit, Collections and Cash Application activities across the EMEA region. Fluent German is required for this role.
This is a broad leadership role combining strategic oversight with hands-on responsibility for a designated customer portfolio. The successful candidate will lead and develop a regional team, drive cash collection performance, manage credit risk and ensure the effective delivery of Accounts Receivable and Order-to-Cash (OTC) processes.
Acting as a key point of escalation, you will work closely with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams to improve cash flow, minimise financial risk and drive operational excellence. You will also play an important role in process transformation, automation and the implementation of new technologies.
This role is based in Cork and will require 3 days on site per week.
Key Responsibilities:
Team Leadership & Operational Management
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Lead, coach and develop a team of Credit, Collections and Cash Application professionals, driving performance, accountability and continuous development.
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Oversee day-to-day operations, resource planning and workload prioritisation to ensure efficient delivery across the region.
Credit & Collections Management
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Manage a designated customer portfolio, driving collection performance, reducing overdue debt and improving DSO.
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Oversee customer credit assessments, financial analysis, credit limits and risk mitigation strategies.
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Monitor customer exposure and payment behaviour, taking appropriate action to minimise bad debt and financial risk.
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Work closely with Sales and Order Management to resolve credit holds while balancing commercial priorities and risk.
Cash Application & Financial Controls
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Oversee cash application activities, ensuring unapplied and incorrectly allocated cash is resolved promptly.
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Coordinate month-end Accounts Receivable activities, including reconciliations, ageing reviews and bad debt assessments.
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Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX requirements and audit standards, supporting internal and external audits where required.
Stakeholder & Escalation Management
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Act as the primary regional escalation point for complex customer disputes, credit issues and collection challenges.
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Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and customers to resolve payment issues and improve collection outcomes.
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Provide regular reporting and insights to senior management on portfolio performance, credit exposure, risks and improvement opportunities.
Continuous Improvement & Transformation
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Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen controls and improve operational efficiency.
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Champion the use of automation, AI and data-driven tools to reduce manual activities and enhance performance.
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Lead and support global Order-to-Cash transformation initiatives, including ERP/system implementations, process standardisation, e-invoicing and technology enhancements.
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Support project delivery across process design, testing, implementation and ongoing optimisation.
Experience & Qualifications
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7+ year's experience in Accounts Receivable, Credit & Collections or Finance Operations.
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At least 2 year's experience in a people management role.
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Experience managing an individual customer portfolio within a multinational, Shared Services or Global Business Services environment.
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Demonstrable experience in credit risk management, collections and month-end financial processes.
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Experience supporting or leading cross-functional projects and system implementations.
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Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related discipline preferred, but not essential.
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Fluent written and spoken English and German.
