Devini Pershad
Account Receivable Specialist
Phoenix
Summary
Detail-oriented credit auditor with extensive experience in credit management and accounts receivable. Proven expertise in mitigating credit risk, optimizing recovery strategies, and safeguarding company liquidity. Skilled in client negotiations, financial analysis, and teamwork TEFL-certified, with excellent communication and problem-solving skills in both local and international environment. Adept at meeting tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy in financial reporting.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Accounts receivable clerk (AR)
- Prepare and distribute accurate customer invoices based on agreed terms and services/products delivered
- Monitor recurring invoices and ensure timely adjustments as needed
- Follow up on overdue invoices through phone calls, emails and written communications
- Negotiate payment plans with customers experiencing financial difficulties
- Post customer payments (EFTs, checks, credit card payments) to the appropriate accounts in the accounting system
- Reconcile AR accounts to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies
- Assess customer creditworthiness and set credit limits
- Work with the Credit Manager to reduce risk and improve collections
- Preparing and presenting due date reports, highlighting overdue accounts and recommending action plans
- Assist with the monthly AR close processes and ensure reconciliation to the general ledger
General administrative tasks
- Ensuring accurate and organized filing of financial documents, both physical and digital
- Updating customer and supplier vendor profiles in the accounting system
- Providing documentation and support for internal and external audits
- Reconciliation of discrepancies identified during audits and implementation corrective actions
- Identify inefficiencies in AP/AR processes and suggest improvements
- Assist in automating manual processes to increase efficiency and accuracy
- Collaborate with Procurement, Sales, and Finance teams to resolve billing and payment issues
- Work closely with the Credit Manager to effectively manage cash flow and collections
Accounts receivable specialist
Hirt & Cater (Pty) Ltd
Cornubia, KwaZulu-Natal
02.2016 - Current
- Managing accounts receivable for a diverse portfolio of clients with a focus on efficient debt collection and minimizing overdue balances
- Led recovery strategies in insolvency scenarios, including detailed presentations for key accounts such as Pick n Pay, to secure revenue streams
- Reduced credit risk by implementing stricter policies and improved debtor review processes
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and resolve payment disputes, to improve customer satisfaction and retention
- Provided accurate financial reporting for executive decision making including aged receivables, credit utilization, and collection efficiency
- Evaluated customer creditworthiness by analyzing financial data and provided actionable recommendations to minimize risk
- Managed and monitored accounts receivable, maintaining a 100% collection success rate within 30/60/90-day payment terms
- Optimized processes to reduce overdue receivables by 80% and improve overall cash flow
- Created and analyzed reports, including credit aging lists and identified trends to support risk mitigation
Accounts payable specialist
Hirt & Carter SA (Pty) Ltd
11.2004 - 09.2015
- Review and verify incoming invoices for accuracy, proper approval, and compliance with company policies
- Enter invoices into the accounting system (Navision; Business Central; Great Plains)
- Maintain vendor files and ensure accuracy of payment details and contact information
- Resolving queries and disputes with suppliers promptly
- Reconcile vendor statements and investigate discrepancies
- Prepare and execute payment runs, including EFTs, checks, and wire transfers
- Ensure payments are made on time and meet agreed terms
- Process expense reimbursements for employees, ensuring compliance with company policies
- Review expense reports for accuracy and supporting documentation
- Ensure compliance with tax regulations (e.g., VAT/GST, withholding tax) when processing payments
- Support with monthly and annual financial statements by reconciling the sub-ledger with the general ledger
Education
Credit Management Level 2-5 -
The Institute for Credit Management NPC
02.2022 - 11.2024
TEFL Certificate - undefined
TEFL Professional Institute - Teacher Book
Diploma in Accounting - undefined
Varsity College
02.2003 - 12.2005
Skills
Accounts receivable management and collections
Credit risk analysis and management
Recovery strategies and receivable management
Financial reporting and analysis of overdue debtors
ERP systems and accounting software (Navision; Business Central; Great Plains)
Customer relationship management
Credit Control policy development
Strong communication and negotiation skills
Microsoft Excel
Account monitoring
Invoice processing
Collections
Customer relations
Generally accepted accounting principles
Information gathering and analysis
Database updates
Transaction recording
Problem-solving
Time management
Accounts receivable software
Client communication
Invoice generation
Financial reporting
Team collaboration
Payment negotiations
Attention to detail
Audit support
Financial records and reporting
Cash application
Collections management
Statutory reporting
Dispute resolution
Financial software
Credit management
Customer account management
Vendor relationship management
Statement review
Payment posting
Bank deposits
Accounts reconciliation
GL entries
Receivables management
Payment allocation
Aging report analysis
General ledger maintenance
Credit limit evaluation
Invoice and payment processing
Debt collection
Receivables forecasting
Spreadsheets and journal entries
Cash flow monitoring
Data entry and management
Accomplishments
- Recovered R2 million in overdue invoices within 45 days, significantly improving cash flow.
- Developed a customized recovery plan for a large retail client, that reduced the risk of bad debt by 80%.
- Reduced average days sales outstanding by 20 days, improving efficiency in receivables management.
Personal Information
- Available: 1 calendar month
- ID Number: 7108280143086
- Ethnicity: Indian
- Gender: Female
- Nationality: South African
- Driving License: True
Owntransport
True
Timeline
Credit Management Level 2-5 -
The Institute for Credit Management NPC
02.2022 - 11.2024
Accounts receivable specialist
Hirt & Cater (Pty) Ltd
02.2016 - Current
Accounts payable specialist
Hirt & Carter SA (Pty) Ltd
11.2004 - 09.2015
Diploma in Accounting - undefined
Varsity College
02.2003 - 12.2005
Accounts receivable clerk (AR)
General administrative tasks
TEFL Certificate - undefined
TEFL Professional Institute - Teacher Book