Credit Control Associate

Ralph Lauren Corporation (NYSE:RL) is a global leader in the design, marketing and distribution of premium lifestyle products in five categories: apparel, accessories, home, fragrances, and hospitality. For more than 50 years, Ralph Lauren's reputation and distinctive image have been consistently developed across an expanding number of products, brands and international markets. The Company's brand names, which include Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Collection, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Polo Ralph Lauren, Double RL, Lauren Ralph Lauren, Polo Ralph Lauren Children, Chaps, among others, constitute one of the world's most widely recognized families of consumer brands.

At Ralph Lauren, we unite and inspire the communities within our company as well as those in which we serve by amplifying voices and perspectives to create a culture of belonging, ensuring inclusion, and fairness for all. We foster a culture of inclusion through: Talent, Education & Communication, Employee Groups and Celebration.

Position Overview

For our EMEA credit team we are currently looking for a Credit Controller based in our Bologna office who will be responsible for a portfolio of international customers.

The Credit Controller is a key pillar of the regional organization as he/she partners with Sales and Customer service teams to drive our business operations while managing the collection process and ensuring the financial exposure of the Company remains under control and aligned with the Credit risk strategy and internal guidelines. In this context, the Credit controller oversees all the credit and collection activities for his/her portfolio of customers. As a member of the EMEA Credit team, the Credit Controller will also be involved in regular team meetings, workshops, offsites and projects for the EMEA region.

1. Work alongside the Regional Credit Manager to design the Credit risk strategy of his/her portfolio of customers in alignment with Management and with Sales and Customer service teams.
2. Review customer orders on hold for Credit reasons on a daily basis and determine whether they can be released and shipped to the customers; where relevant seek Management’s approval in accordance to Grant of Authority.
3. Define and regularly review credit limits, payment terms and other credit-related conditions for both existing and new customers.
4. Perform a watch and regular analyses on portfolio of customers to ensure the company’s exposure is monitored and to anticipate, flag and escalate issues without delays to Management.
5. Communicate frequently with customers and reply promptly to their questions and concerns. Team-up with Sales and Customer Service departments to solve issues.
6. Notify customers of upcoming or outstanding invoices. Establish and maintain regular communications to facilitate regular payments.
7. Monitor debtor balances to guarantee an acceptable level or even reduction of the DSO. Negotiate payment plans and settlements of overdue balances.
8. Coordinate issuance and clearing of Debit notes and Credit notes in collaboration with customers and internal partners.
9. Team-up with the AR team to ensure cash application is accurately done and on a timely manner; support issue resolutions when needed.
10. Initiate legal actions against debtors who evade or refuse payment according to the terms and conditions. Liaise with Legal department and/or external collection agencies where needed.
11. Visit customers in the Milan showroom during markets and/or in their offices/selling locations.
12. Act as a key business partner and contribute to the success of the company’s strategy and results.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

1. Experience in Credit & Collection and/or Finance within an international environment.
2. Fluent in Italian and English.
3. Academic degree in Finance, Accounting, Business or equivalent.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Result orientated, resourceful and problem-solving attitude.
6. Strong business acumen and customer oriented.
7. Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
8. Excellent time management, prioritization and organizational skills.
9. Proficient user of Excel and SAP (or equivalent ERP).