Credit Manager at Hyatt

Job Purpose

• The Credit Manager is responsible for managing the hotel's credit control and accounts receivable functions, ensuring timely collection of outstanding debts, effective credit risk management, accurate customer accounts, and compliance with the hotel's financial policies and procedures.
• The role involves establishing and monitoring credit facilities for corporate clients, travel agencies, event organisers, and other approved business partners while maintaining strong commercial relationships and protecting the hotel's cash flow and financial interests.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Management and Control

• Develop, implement and enforce the hotel's credit control policies and procedures.
• Review and assess credit applications from corporate clients, travel agencies and other business partners.
• Recommend appropriate credit limits and payment terms for management approval.
• Ensure all credit facilities are supported by approved documentation and appropriate authorisation.
• Monitor customers' credit exposure and ensure compliance with approved credit limits.
• Identify potential credit risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

Accounts Receivable Management

• Oversee the accounts receivable function and ensure accurate recording of all credit transactions.
• Ensure timely preparation and dispatch of invoices to corporate clients and business partners.
• Monitor outstanding invoices and ensure prompt follow-up on overdue accounts.
• Reconcile customer accounts and investigate discrepancies.
• Ensure proper documentation and filing of invoices, receipts, credit notes and supporting records.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date accounts receivable ageing report.

Debt Recovery and Collection

• Establish effective debt collection strategies to minimise outstanding balances.
• Follow up with customers on overdue payments through emails, telephone calls and formal correspondence.
• Coordinate with the Sales, Front Office, Events and Reservations departments to resolve billing issues.
• Escalate long-outstanding and disputed debts to the Director of Finance.
• Recommend suspension or withdrawal of credit facilities for consistently defaulting customers, subject to management approval.
• Monitor collection performance and ensure agreed payment commitments are honoured.

Financial Reporting and Reconciliation

• Prepare periodic accounts receivable and credit control reports.
• Provide monthly reports on outstanding debts, ageing analysis and collection performance.
• Reconcile accounts receivable balances with the general ledger.
• Monitor doubtful debts and recommend provisions in accordance with applicable accounting standards and hotel policies.
• Support month-end and year-end financial closing activities.
• Provide relevant financial information for internal and external audits.

Internal Controls and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with the hotel's financial policies, internal controls and approval procedures.
• Prevent unauthorised credit extensions and potential revenue leakages.
• Ensure proper segregation of duties in credit approval, invoicing, collection and reconciliation.
• Conduct periodic reviews of customer credit accounts.
• Ensure compliance with applicable tax regulations and financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of financial information.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales and Marketing to review corporate client credit arrangements.
• Collaborate with Front Office to ensure proper billing and settlement of guest accounts.
• Partner with Events and Banqueting teams to ensure timely invoicing and collection of event-related payments.
• Liaise with the Reservations team to ensure adherence to approved credit arrangements.
• Provide guidance to operational departments on credit procedures and documentation.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise, coach and develop the credit control team.
• Establish departmental objectives and monitor individual performance.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Ensure adequate training on credit management systems and procedures.
• Promote accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or HND in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline.
• Professional accounting qualification such as ICAN, ACCA, or equivalent will be an added advantage.
• Relevant certification in credit management or financial management is desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant experience in credit management, accounts receivable or financial control.
• At least 2 years in a managerial position.
• Previous experience in a 4- or 5-star hotel or international hospitality organisation is strongly preferred.
• Experience with hotel property management systems (PMS), accounting software and ERP systems is an advantage.