About the Role

We are a Wollongong-based wholesale food and alcohol distributor seeking a reliable, self-motivated Accounts & Administration Officer to lead our Accounts Receivable (AR) function and support our day-to-day finance operations.

In this role, you will hold explicit ownership of our AR ledger, keeping cash flow moving smoothly through consistent debt collection, proactive follow-ups on overdue accounts, and clear management of credit limits and escalations. Alongside managing customer accounts, you will handle new customer onboarding, process daily payment receipts and overhead invoices, and manage incoming queries across our finance email channels.

If you have a confident yet approachable communication style, strong attention to detail, and love bringing structure and ownership to a busy finance desk, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

1. Accounts Receivable & Debt Collection (Primary Focus)

- Take end-to-end ownership of the AR ledger, managing aging debt to maintain steady cash flow.

- Lead everyday collection efforts, contacting trade customers via phone and email to follow up on overdue balances.

- Monitor aging reports daily, staying on top of promises to pay and scheduling timely follow-ups.

- Manage customer credit status, working with the sales team to address credit holds or overdue accounts before orders are sent out.

- Handle account escalations thoughtfully, setting up realistic payment arrangements or escalating persistent overdue accounts where necessary.

- Resolve invoice queries, short payments, and billing discrepancies efficiently to ensure prompt payment.

2. Customer Account Onboarding & Credit Setup

- Process and review new trade credit applications, ensuring business details and liquor licence documentation are verified.

- Conduct credit reference checks to recommend appropriate credit limits and payment terms.

- Set up new customer profiles accurately in the accounting system.

- Maintain up-to-date customer records, credit limits, and contact details.

3. Payment Receipting & Cash Allocation





- Process daily receipting of incoming payments accurately into the accounting system.

- Match merchant, EFT, and direct debit payments against customer invoices.

- Process credit card payments over the phone when required.

- Send out regular customer statements and account updates.

4. Non-Stock Accounts Payable & Supplier Reconciliations

- Process and code all overhead and non-stock Accounts Payable invoices (excluding stock/inventory).

- Reconcile supplier monthly statements against accounting records.

- Coordinate with internal team members to gain invoice approvals and resolve any missing details.

5. Email Inbox Triaging (AP & AR)

- Monitor and manage the AP and AR shared email inboxes daily.

- Triage incoming queries, actioning direct requests and directing urgent matters to the right team members.

- Respond helpful and promptly to routine customer and supplier queries regarding invoices and payments.

6. General Administration Support

- Maintain data integrity across the customer database.

- Assist the broader finance, warehousing, and customer service teams during busy periods.

Key Skills, Experience & Attributes

- AR & Debt Collection Experience: 2–3 years of experience in an accounts role with clear ownership of an AR ledger, follow-up on overdue accounts, and promise-to-pay tracking.

- Communication & Negotiation: Strong verbal and written communication skills with a clear, professional, and balanced approach to collecting payments and supporting trade relationships.

- Customer Onboarding: Experience processing credit applications, checking references, and setting up customer accounts in an accounting system.

- Software Proficiency: Hands-on experience with accounting systems or ERPs (Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central preferred), along with sound Microsoft Office skills.

- Organisation & Accuracy: High attention to detail, good numerical accuracy, and the ability to manage daily priorities in a busy environment.

- Collaborative Problem-Solving: A practical approach to resolving account queries and working constructively alongside sales and operations.

📌 Accounts & Administration Officer (Port Kembla)
🏢 Harrison Trading Group
📍 Port Kembla