Senior Lead Accounts Receivable Management (all genders) - 12 months contract

Location
Berlin
Contract
Full time
Job Category
Finance, Analytics & Controlling

THE ROLE & THE TEAM 

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Lead Accounts Receivable Management to drive operational excellence and innovation within our Accounts Receivable (AR) function. In this critical leadership role, you will oversee the end-to-end AR process, ensuring financial accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. You will also play a pivotal role in enhancing the customer and partner experience by designing and executing strategies that optimize cash flow and minimize risks.

INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN

At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring - we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit. 

We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process. 

do.BETTER - our diversity & inclusion strategy: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/dobetter-our-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy 

Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/our-employee-resource-groups  

WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING)

Leadership and Strategy 

  • Lead and mentor a high-performing Accounts Receivable team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.

  • Develop and implement strategies to optimize AR processes, reduce outstanding receivables, and improve cash flow.

  • Partner with senior stakeholders across Finance, Payments, and other business units to align AR management with Zalando’s broader financial goals.

Operational Excellence

  • Oversee the accurate and timely processing of invoices, payment collections, and customer account reconciliations.

  • Monitor AR performance metrics and KPIs, driving continuous improvement through automation and process optimization.

  • Ensure compliance with financial regulations, internal policies, and audit requirements.

Risk and Relationship Management

  • Proactively manage credit risk, establishing robust credit control frameworks.

  • Build strong relationships with customers and internal stakeholders to resolve disputes and maintain a high level of satisfaction.

  • Collaborate with external auditors, legal teams, and regulatory bodies as needed.

Innovation and Technology

  • Champion the adoption of cutting-edge AR tools and systems to streamline workflows and enhance data accuracy.

  • Analyze market trends and industry benchmarks to identify opportunities for innovation in AR management.

WE'D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

  • Proven track record in a leadership role within Accounts Receivable or a similar finance function.

  • Strong knowledge of AR processes, credit risk management, and financial compliance in a fast-paced environment.

  • Expertise in using AR software, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and analytics tools.

  • Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse, cross-functional teams.

  • Willingness to learn and try new things.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a focus on building relationships and resolving conflicts.

  • Fluency in English; and German is a strong plus.

OUR OFFER

Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer.

  • Employee shares program

  • 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners

  • 2 paid volunteering days a year

  • Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration

  • Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year

  • 27 days of vacation a year to start

  • Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement)

  • Family services, including counseling and support

  • Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)

  • Mental health support and coaching available

  • Drive your development through our training platform and biannual peer-to-peer review

Learn all about Zalando and our values here: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src=22377bdd1us

Recruiter

Stella Lymperopoulou

stella.lymperopoulou@zalando.de

Please note that all applications from this job page must be completed using the online form - we do not accept applications via e-mail. Once reviewed, our recruiters will contact applicants via an official Zalando email address (@zalando.de).

In some cases we also work with a selection of headhunters and agencies to fill specific roles. Please note that neither Zalando nor our recruiting partners will ask for any kind of payment to apply for a job or attend an interview.

If you have any questions about our recruitment process, please take a look at our FAQ page.

About Zalando

It’s the perfect time to join Zalando on our journey to build the leading pan-European ecosystem for fashion and lifestyle e-commerce. Help us offer an inspiring and quality multi-brand shopping experience for fashion and lifestyle products to about 50 million active customers in 25 markets. Or be part of our logistic infrastructure, software or service capabilities to help brands and retailers run and scale their entire e-commerce business, on or off Zalando. Join our Zalando ecosystem, to enable positive change for the fashion and lifestyle industry. 

Learn more about our culture