Collections Analyst

**WHAT WE DO**

We're Lula. We build innovative fintech products to help SMEs make cash flow. From instant access to funding to all-in-one business banking accounts and cutting-edge financial analysis tools, we're on it

Our purpose is to help SMEs manage their business better, faster, simpler, Lula, so they can spend more time doing what they love.

Speaking of love, we're looking for Lulas who love to make a difference to join our team and change the game.

**WHY WE DO IT**

We care about our family, our work, our community, our country.

We're passionate about EMPOWERING EVERY SME TO SUCCEED.

And to do it, we're BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FINTECH PRODUCTS TO HELP SMES MAKE CASH FLOW.

Why? Because the more businesses that succeed, the more jobs, money, and opportunities for all South Africans - including Y.O.U.

So get curious.

Rise to the challenge.

Don't settle for average.

Shoot for amazing.

We're here to change the game, the norm, the world,

Because when we change something for the better, we change ourselves too.

You are.

We are.

Lula

**OUR VALUES**

**Collaborative**:

- _we're a clan and work together as a team, always towards a common goal_

**Committed** - _we're accountable and follow through no matter the challenge_

**Curious** - _we look for better ways to do things and make a positive difference_

**Connected** - _we stay close to, learn from and look to understand each other and our customers_

**Compassionate** - _we go out of our way to care about our colleagues, our customers and our community_

**OVERALL PURPOSE**

This role would suit someone with energy, persistence and who accepts only the best (with a real passion for collections). If you're looking to join a dynamic, young collections team, be challenged (and, importantly, be a challenger) then this role is for you. We expect you to have a drive to succeed, as this role is critical to Lulalend's success and ensuring we recover outstanding client payments while continuing to enhance our relationship with our clients.
- Manage outstanding client payments with an aim to recovering arrears
- Ensure adherence to the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act and other compliance regulations and security policies
- Follow Lulalend's established collections processes (although improvements are always welcomed)
- Liaise with customers to understand reasons for late payment and resolve customer billing disputes
- Respond to customer queries
- Manage interactions with all customers diligently, courteously and professionally while collecting payments
- Initiate strategies for collection processes and procedures
- Negotiate payment plans in consultation with collections and credit management teams
- Encourage and assist customers to pay overdue amounts
- Create repayment schedules based on customers' financial situations
- Ensure customer loyalty while initiating processes for collection of payments
- Keep electronic records of all communications, payment plans agreed to, and amounts paid
- Initiate legal proceedings if debt recovery fails
- Daily reporting

**THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE'RE LOOKING FOR**
- Matric certificate or equivalent
- Diploma/Degree in a financial related field would be highly advantageous
- Previous collections experience (Minimum of 2 years) or alternatively financial administrative experience
- A track record of providing excellent customer service
- Strong numerical ability
- Ability to thrive in an ever-changing environment with lots of moving parts
- Strong communication and people skills

**THE COMPETENCIES WE'RE AFTER**
- Strong customer focus
- Self-starter and initiative-taker
- Enthusiastic team-player
- Willingness to learn in a dynamic and fast moving company
- Positive contribution to the Collections team and Lulalend
- Out-of-box thinking and solutions driven
- Great negotiation skills
- Empathetic yet logical approach
- Ability to resolve conflict in a constructive manner