Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Debtors Clerk.

Job Title – Debtors Clerk

Description

A Debtors Clerk works in the accounting department of a company and is in charge of keeping records of customers’ accounts. Their job is to keep records on amounts owed by customers and amounts paid. They also carry out routine bookkeeping duties including calculating interest on overdue accounts.

Most of their work is computer-based, but can still, in some cases be done in books or on cards.

Typical Job Activities

Maintains routine and accurate bookkeeping
Keeps records of payments made
Determines which accounts are overdue
Contacts companies who owe money in writing or by telephone to recover the outstanding balance
Makes follow-up calls
In non-payment cases, makes the decision to ‘hand over’ to lawyers for collection

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Related Occupations

Insurance Clerk
Bookkeeper

Educational Requirements

You will need Matric with a pass in Mathematics. A good mark in mathematics will be a real advantage.

Debtor Clerks may receive in-house training, in the accounts departments in some companies.

Some companies might even pay for your training if you show aptitude and a positive attitude.

Most debtors' clerks receive in-service training in the financial department of a company. You can also follow a computer course in a financial computer programme at a private college before you start working, or your employer might send you on such a computer course.

Degree: BCom degree is recommended if you are interested in being promoted to a more senior position in the financial department of the company.

Diploma: - N.Dip. Cost and Management Accounting - CPUT, CUT, DUT, VUT, NMMU, UNISA, N.Dip. Accounting - CPUT, CUT, DUT, TUT, VUT

Finance - e.g. Flavius Mareka, N Cape, Tshwane S, Umgungundlovu, Northlink FETs

Compulsory subjects: Accounting
Recommended subjects: Mathematics, Economics and Business Science

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be good at mathematics and/or accounting
Be logical and organised
Be methodical
Have confidence
Be able to handle difficult, non-paying customers with diplomacy
Be able to be accurate
Be computer literate

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Employment Opportunities

High

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Options

Low

International Employment Market

Moderate

Possible Employers

Government - national, provincial, local councils and related organisations like universities
Big private companies
Medium or small Companies

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Relevant Contact Details

Debt Counsellors Association of South Africa
http://www.dcasa.co.za/

Career Progress and Path

Further Studies in the specific career field
Experience in specific field
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

A job in government
A job in private companies
To become a manager
To face intellectual challenges
To focus on a specific field