The Interpublic Group, one of the world’s Largest Advertising and Marketing organizations, has implemented a Finance & Accounting Shared Services Centre in Sydney providing services to the Australian network agencies. 

The Sr AR Associate is responsible for performing end to end client collections, cash application related activities, credit limits application and other client management tasks. 
The Sr AR associate will be supporting multiple IPG Australia network agencies. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Prepare and review Accounts Receivables (AR) aging report & inform Agencies of invoices past due
• Create & distribute dunning letters & interest invoices
• Escalate delinquent accounts to Agency Local Finance
• Forward records to collection agency for invoices past due
• Resolve invoice related client queries and disputes
• Monitor client accounts for non-payments, delayed payments and other irregularities
• Taking ownership of the key debtor accounts and the debtor trial balance
• Calculate & post AR reserve
• Submit request form for AR write-offs
• Post AR write-offs
• Assist Agency with client queries related to invoices
• Cheque deposits and processing
• Process Cash Applications for clients and intercompany transactions
• Identify and research for Unapplied Cash
• Run cash receipts report
• Perform customer account reconciliations
• Assisting with client master data and credit
• Clear understanding of the Rebate arrangement
• Liaise with AON to apply client credit limit on behalf on agency
• Assist in internal and external audits as well as liaising with auditor on any AR queries
• Prepare and submit monthly the 90 days plus report to AON
• Executing client credit requests
• Identity areas for process improvements to create efficiencies
•  WIP management, including updating WIP reserves, posting cost transfers and write-offs, reclassifying PO non-billable client related expenses
• Identify ideas for process improvement utilizing leading industry practices
• Assist in internal and external audits
• Facilitate Agency Local Finance team on period-end closing activities
• File and archive original documents
• Participate in giving and receiving feedback
• Preparing Month End monthly reporting – Bad debt Exemption report, clients statements and invoices and AR ageing to agencies with commentaries
• Regular meeting with the agencies to update the status on the AR ageing, collections and issues (if any)

KNOWLEDGE AND EXDPERIENCE:

Essential: 

• Minimum 5 years of work experience in a similar role
• Teamwork and ability to collaborate with Media Finance team, Agency’s client directors and Local Finance
• Experience in Advertising industry preferred
• Ability to provide high level of customer service to Agencies in client collections reporting
• Ability to resolve complex queries and disputes
• Ability to reconcile the debtor accounts to trial balance
• Strong written and oral communications skills in English
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills
• Good knowledge of concepts and procedures related to client collections reporting & accounting
• Ability to work independently, efficiently and deliver high quality output under time pressure
• Ability to complete allocated tasks on time accurately
• Excellent computer skills and competency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Experience in SAP (Vantage and cSAP) and media systems (e.g. SMD, Reporter)

A Distinct Advantage: 

•  Experience working in a Shared Services Centre focused on Finance & Accounting activities
• Experience in document record management software such as SharePoint

BENEFITS OF JOINING IPG:

One of our primary goals is to support the health and well-being of you and your family. Our compensation plan includes the following benefits, in addition to many others:

• Birthday Leave
• Period Friendly Workplace Policy
• Gender Affirmation Policy
• Flexible work arrangement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

IPG is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity, inclusion and equity at our company. We do not discriminate on any unlawful basis including race, religion, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Information provided by applicants will be used for recruitment and other employment-related purposes.