Reporting to: The Internal Attorney will report directly to senior management and collaborate closely with other departments to ensure the effective management of legal and collections processes.
Job Purpose: We are seeking a highly experienced Internal Attorney to provide expert legal advice and manage the debt collection processes for vehicle asset finance, corporate debt collection, and personal debt collection. The successful candidate will ensure that all activities are conducted in compliance with the South African National Credit Act (NCA) and other relevant regulations. This role involves advising senior management on legal risks, strategies, and compliance while driving efficient debt recovery.
This job specification outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the role of an Internal Attorney specializing in debt collection and vehicle asset finance within the framework of South African law.
Key Responsibilities:
- Legal Advisory:
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Provide legal counsel to senior management on matters related to vehicle asset finance, corporate debt collection, and personal debt collection.
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Ensure compliance with the South African National Credit Act (NCA) and other relevant legislation.
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Familiar with relevant regulations such as the Protection of Personal Information Act, Prescription Act, and Consumer Protection Act, as they relate to collections and litigation
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Advise on legal strategies for managing and mitigating legal risks associated with debt recovery processes.
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Draft, review, and negotiate legal agreements and documents related to debt collection and asset finance.
- Debt Collection Management:
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Oversee the end-to-end legal collections process for vehicle asset finance, corporate debt, and personal debt portfolios.
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Develop and implement effective debt recovery strategies, ensuring timely resolution of outstanding debts.
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Liaise with external legal counsel, debt collection agencies, and other stakeholders as necessary.
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Monitor and report on the performance of collections activities, ensuring adherence to targets and compliance with legal requirements.
- Compliance & Risk Management:
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Ensure all debt collection activities are in line with the South African National Credit Act (NCA) and other applicable laws.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in legislation and regulatory requirements related to debt collection and asset finance.
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Implement and oversee internal controls to mitigate legal and financial risks.
- Team Leadership & Development:
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Mentor a team of legal and collections professionals.
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Provide training and guidance to staff on legal matters and best practices in debt collection.
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Foster a culture of compliance, ethics, and excellence within the team.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
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Act as the primary point of contact for legal matters related to debt collection with internal and external stakeholders.
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Represent the company in negotiations, disputes, and legal proceedings when necessary.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Education:
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LL.B degree (or equivalent) from a recognized institution.
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Admission as an Attorney in South Africa.
- Experience:
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Minimum of 10 years of experience in debt collection, with at least 5 years in a senior role managing collections and legal processes.
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Extensive knowledge and experience in vehicle asset finance, corporate debt collection, and personal debt collection.
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Strong understanding of the South African National Credit Act (NCA) and related legislation.
Skills & Competencies:
- Proven ability to manage complex debt recovery processes and legal matters.
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Strong leadership and team management skills.
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Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
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Ability to work independently and make sound decisions under pressure.
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Analytical mindset with a consistent application of sound judgment.
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Proficient in MS Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Working Hours:
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Full-time, with occasional travel as required.