Acolad is the global leader in content and language solutions. Its mission is to support companies in every industry to scale across markets and enable growth through cutting-edge technology and localization expertise. Established in 1995, the group is present in 22 countries across Europe, North America and Asia, with over 1.600 employees supported by a network of +10.000 linguists around the world.
At Acolad, every position is key to our global growth: we know that we will only succeed if our people succeed.
Joining Acolad means a unique opportunity for professional development through a collaborative global environment that promotes talent and creativity. We are continuously looking for new talent (like you!) to support our mission to drive growth and innovation across some of the world’s leading brands.
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About the role
We are looking for a Team Leader Debt Collection to oversee debt recovery activities while serving as the operational lead and subject matter expert for the collections team. This role combines hands-on management of customer receivables with team coordination, performance monitoring, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing cash collection performance, reducing Days Sales Outstanding (DSO), managing complex customer accounts, and supporting the team in resolving collection challenges. The position requires strong analytical skills, stakeholder management capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced international environment.
Key Responsibilities
Debt Collection & Accounts Receivable Management (70%)
- Analyze and monitor the customer aged receivables portfolio.
- Perform daily follow-up of customer accounts to identify overdue balances and potential collection risks.
- Oversee and ensure the execution of collection activities through the collection management tool, including phone calls, email reminders, and formal collection letters.
- Develop and implement effective collection strategies to reduce payment delays and improve cash flow.
- Prepare and support negotiations of payment plans and settlement agreements when required.
- Ensure accurate documentation, qualification, and tracking of collection activities and disputes within collection management systems.
- Monitor outstanding balances, disputes, and complex cases through to escalation to the Legal Department for pre-litigation procedures when necessary.
- Maintain high-quality standards and full traceability of all collection actions.
- Keep customer records and communication histories updated and accurate.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of collection processes and support the optimization of DSO and cash performance indicators.
Team Leadership & Operational Support (25%)
- Act as the collections team's subject matter expert and primary point of reference.
- Coach, support, and advise Debt Collectors in handling complex customer accounts and collection cases.
- Lead daily team meetings to review priorities, discuss blockers, and define action plans.
- Prepare consolidated receivables updates and reporting for the Finance Manager in advance of weekly and bi-weekly meetings with Sales Directors and Senior Management.
- Produce regular activity reports and management dashboards.
- Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), including Cash Collection, DSO, Collection Effectiveness, and Dispute Resolution metrics, and recommend improvement initiatives.
- Actively contribute to the continuous enhancement of collection processes, systems, and tools.
Requirements
- Proven experience in Debt Collection, Credit Control, or Accounts Receivable.
- Experience leading, coaching, or acting as a senior point of contact within a collections team.
- Strong knowledge of SAP Accounts Receivable, including customer account management, FEBAN, and account reconciliation/matching processes.
- Experience using debt collection management tools; experience with CashNow is highly desirable.
- Solid understanding of collection processes, dispute management, and cash flow optimization.
- Ability to prepare, analyze, and present operational and performance reports.
- Professional working proficiency in English.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships while maintaining firmness in negotiations.
- Ability to work successfully in a multicultural and international environment.
- Strong resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
- Adaptable and solution-oriented mindset.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Analytical approach with a strong focus on results and continuous improvement.
Benefits
Acolad is committed to creating a diverse and equitable workforce. We believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms—gender, age, disability, marital status, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation—enrich the workplace. It opens opportunities for individuals to express their talents, both individually and collectively, and strengthens our ability to adapt to a changing world. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their backgrounds.