Accounts Receivable Collections Manager

Job PurposeThe Accounts Receivable Collections Manager is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the collections activities to ensure the timely and effective recovery of receivables. This role involves providing guidance to the collections team, monitoring performance, managing escalations, and ensuring the adoption of best practices in credit and collections processes.The role plays a critical part in improving cash flow, reducing overdue accounts in compliance with university policies and procedures. The role also drives continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, automation, and customer experience in collections.Major AccountabilitiesOversee the collections operations, ensuring effective execution of agreed strategies, escalation workflows, and dispute resolution protocols and timely resolutions of receivables.Lead process enhancement initiatives to streamline collections activities, identifying automation opportunities and system improvements to strengthen efficiency.Develop and maintain reporting frameworks, including dashboards, aging analysis, and KPIs, to monitor receivables performance and highlight risks or trends to Finance leadership.Act as the primary point of contact and coordinate the structured resolution of complex or highvalue customer disputes with legal, billing, and proponent teams to mitigate risks and support timely collection outcomes.Oversee the application of receipts, account reconciliations, and clearance of customer advances or unapplied payments, ensuring alignment and coordination with the Treasury team.Lead the design and continuous improvement of credit control frameworks, escalation workflows, and dispute resolution protocols to strengthen governance and effectiveness.Build and foster effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers and government entities, to facilitate issue resolution, strengthen cooperation, and promote sustainable partnerships.Ensure all collection activities comply with KAUST policies, Delegation of Authority, and regulatory requirements, and prepare accurate documentation for internal and external audits.Mentor, guide, and develop Collection Analysts, promoting knowledge sharing, capability building, and professional growth across the team.CompetenciesExcellent leadership and team management skills.Strong verbal and written communication abilities.Proficient in ERP systems (preferably SAP), Excel, and reporting tools.Sound decision-making and problem-solving skills.High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.Ability to manage workload under pressure and prioritize tasks effectively.Customer orientated with a strong sense of accountability and ownership.Continuous improvement and ability to drive change.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance.Professional certification (e.g., SOCPA, ACCA, CMA) is preferred.ExperienceA minimum of 8 years of experience in an Accounts Receivable or Finance role, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity.Demonstrated experience in managing collections in a large, complex organization.Strong working knowledge of ERP systems and reporting tools.Experience in the education, research, or government sectors is desirable.