Accounts Receivable Process Lead

The Accounts Receivable Process Lead is responsible for overseeing end-to-end accounts receivable operations, ensuring timely and maximized collections, reduction in aged debt, and continuous improvement in working capital. This role acts as the key liaison with the outsourced accounts receivable service provider, ensuring contractual obligations and service standards are met. The ideal candidate will champion process excellence, maintain strong internal controls, and build collaborative relationships with both internal stakeholders and the managed service provider.

Key Responsibilities

Service Provider Management

• Serve as the primary liaison between Downer and the outsourced accounts receivable service provider.
• Act as the daily point of contact for the service provider's team.
• Coordinate task allocations, schedules, and operational updates.
• Monitor service levels against agreed SLAs and KPIs, reviewing and approving monthly service reports.
• Manage escalations and resolve service delivery issues promptly.
• Maintain up-to-date Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process maps.
• Conduct regular performance review meetings with the service provider.

Process Improvement, Compliance & Governance

• Identify, recommend, and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Participate in governance meetings, representing the interface between the service provider and Downer.
• Assist in reviewing monthly charges for accuracy and investigate variances.
• Maintain records and documentation for audit purposes.
• Support internal and external audit processes as required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal business units and the managed service provider.
• Respond to stakeholder queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Communicate process changes or requirements clearly to both the team and the service provider.

Accounts Receivable Operations

• Oversee the accurate and timely processing of collections and debtor accounts.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Monitor key AR metrics to ensure targets and SLAs are consistently met.

Sustainability & Safety

• Promote safe and environmentally responsible practices within the team and vendor operations.
• Support Downer's health, wellbeing, and mental health initiatives, ensuring these are communicated and celebrated.

What You Will Bring

• Tertiary qualification in Finance or related discipline is preferred but not mandatory.
• Proven experience in accounts receivable, credit management, or finance operations, ideally in shared services or BPO environments.
• Experience managing or collaborating with offshore service delivery teams or managed service providers.
• Knowledge of process improvement, automation, and finance tools/platforms (e.g., ERP systems, collections platforms).

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong understanding of AR processes, cash application, collections, dispute resolution, and credit control.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and service providers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong planning, prioritization, and organizational skills to meet individual and team KPIs.
• Attention to detail and adherence to processes to ensure high-quality work.
• Familiarity with JDE and Kofax is preferred; knowledge of Accounts Payable processes is a plus.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Competencies

• Positive mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality work.
• High interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Why Downer?

As a trusted name in infrastructure, transport, facilities management, and construction, Downer is committed to delivering projects that create a lasting, positive legacy. We're committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve, and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pasifika Peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with this role, we'd still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.