International Collections Specialist EMEA

This individual will manage specific finance functions related to the collections of delinquent receivables for a portfolio of accounts in the EMEA region in order to maintain the WHR cash flow. The qualified candidate will be required to converse and communicate in English as a minimum in relation to the portfolio coverage and other languages could be beneficial.

In addition they will work closely with franchisees and Field Operations, as well as internal departments mainly Finance & Legal ensuring that franchisee’s and hotels financial obligations to WHR are met in a satisfactory manner. Areas of responsibility mainly include but are not limited to collection and missing withholding tax receipt calls; resolving past due accounts; negotiating payment arrangements; reviewing financial statements; fielding incoming calls; recommending accounts for next collection steps, account reconciliations including submitting write-offs and payment processing details; reconciling withholding tax receipts and VAT (where applicable) and perform withholding and VAT (where applicable) adjustments and other miscellaneous write-offs.

The individual will also be required to complete the daily identification and application of payments and special projects.

They require an understanding of withholding tax implications. Additionally, this individual is required to identify and resolve financial issues, as well as communicate such issues to Senior Finance management on a timely basis.

Tasks

The individual has a high level of impact on EMEA cash flow.

They are critical to timely processing of payments and write-offs, ensuring accounts reflect accurate amounts due, in turn impacting the collectability of monies.

Failure to accurately and efficiently perform the job responsibilities will have a negative impact on cash collections, outstanding withholding tax & VAT (where applicable), unapplied cash, and levels of customer service as issues with accounts will rise. Incorrectly processing tax adjustments has potential tax implications.

This position has a measurable impact on the company’s financial performance as it has a direct impact on collections (cash flow) and pursuit/resolution of outstanding accounts (reduction of bad debt). The role is responsible for improving the A/R aging, improving DSO, obtaining, and processing withholding tax receipts, and maintaining overall A/R integrity. The individual oversees the collection process and ensures accurate collection measures are being taken to reduce the overall company liability and exposure.

Requirements

• Must speak and write English and German
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Excel
• Other languages an advantage
• Motivated, detail-oriented person who is able to work independently in a fast paced environment
• Well-developed negotiation skills
• Heavy phone usage/volume
• Must be persistent with excellent follow up skills
• Good problem-solving and decision making skills
• Must be results driven and results oriented
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Good organizational and planning skills
• Must work well with others and be able to contribute to a team
• Proficient with computers is required
• Customer focused with excellent customer service skills
• Able to read and understand operational stats
• Understand impact of market conditions and hotel industry challenges

Benefits

Competitve package, hybrid working