AR Accountant (credit controller)

AR Accountant (credit controller)
Location: Southampton Buildings, London
Salary: Competitive
Vacancy Type: Fixed-term, 9-12 months, Full Time
About GANT
GANT stands as an emblem of American Sportswear, symbolizing timeless style and innovation across 70+ global markets. As a company, we blend heritage with contemporary flair, crafting apparel for the bold, the curious, and the imaginative. Our brand represents more than fashion; it's a tradition of excellence and authenticity. As an employer, we foster a culture of continuous learning and creativity, inviting high performers to join our diverse team of innovators. At GANT, we're not just shaping the future of fashion; we're redefining what it means to dress with purpose and passion.
About the role
As our AR Accountant, you will take full ownership of the wholesale accounts receivable process, managing customer accounts from invoice creation through to cash collection and dispute resolution.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong credit control and AR experience within a retail, wholesale or product-based environment, who is comfortable operating in a fast-paced business with high transaction volumes and manual processes.
This role is a key operational position within the finance team and requires close collaboration with the Wholesale and Logistics team. You will work with a broad customer base, ranging from major retail groups to independent wholesale partners, and play an important role in supporting cash flow, controlling aged debt and maintaining strong customer relationships.
Responsibilities:
* Full ownership of the wholesale accounts receivable ledger – £23m annual volume.
* Create and process sales invoices, ensuring accurate billing and timely completion of month-end invoicing.
* Investigate and resolve customer deductions, debit notes, pricing discrepancies and quantity disputes.
* Manage customer invoicing portals and ensure invoices and supporting documentation are uploaded correctly and on time.
* Post and allocate incoming customer receipts within SAP.
* Perform customer account reconciliations and resolve aged or disputed balances.
* Proactively chase outstanding debt to ensure timely customer payment, negotiating payment plans where required.
* Monitor customer credit exposure and communicate account status to internal stakeholders to support release of future orders.
* Produce aged debt reporting and support management review of DSO and overdue debt metrics.
* Maintain accurate customer master data, including new customer account creation and updates.
* Assist with ad hoc finance tasks, including intercompany invoicing activities.
Profile
Knowledge requirements:
* Proven AR and credit control experience within a retail, wholesale or distribution-based environment.
* Experience working with manual invoicing processes and liaising with operational teams.
* Experience managing large retailer accounts and customer portals is highly beneficial.
Systems:
* Experience using SAP or similar ERP is essential.
* Experience with U2 or similar invoice-processing systems is essential.
* Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables, XLOOKUPs and reconciliations.
Personal characteristics:
* Confident communicator, comfortable dealing directly with customers and internal stakeholders.
* Resilient and proactive, with the ability to manage challenging customer conversations professionally.
* Strong problem-solving skills and ability to investigate discrepancies thoroughly.
* Able to prioritise effectively and operate calmly under month-end pressure.
* Positive, adaptable and collaborative team player.
Right to work in the UK
In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates will be required to evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. We have assessed this role and do not consider that we would be able to sponsor a successful candidate under the Skilled Worker route as the role does not meet the relevant Home Office criteria; the successful candidate therefore must be able to demonstrate their own right to work during the recruitment process without GANT sponsorship.
Benefits
Clothing Allowance
50% discount including sale items, 25% in outlets
Salary exchange pension scheme
BUPA Health Cash Plan
Life insurance (Death in Service)
Holidays 25 days plus Bank Holidays (Pro-rated for Part timers)
Extra Day off for your Birthday
2 paid days off to do voluntary work
Enhanced Maternity Pay
Enhanced Paternity Pay
Bonus scheme
My Gant Rewards Programme, which gives you fantastic savings with cashback and discounts with hundreds of retailers and services
Individual awards for customer service praise or job well done
In store promotion prizes
Annual pay review
Company paid sick pay
Employee Assistance Programme
Further Education Programme
Continuous Learning and Development
Refer a Friend Scheme
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for GANT, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application