Credit Risk Analyst

Mission We are looking for a highly analytical, detail-driven Credit Risk Analyst to strengthen our EMEA team, based in Berchem, Belgium. Reporting to the Regional OtC Manager (EMEA), you will play a key role in safeguarding Azelis’ financial stability by managing credit risk exposure, overseeing overdue receivables, and driving strong credit governance across the region. In this position, you will ensure consistent application of our credit policy, reduce overdue accounts, support customer relationships, and enhance our end-to-end credit practices. The ideal candidate brings solid experience in credit control and credit (risk) management, excels in communication, and thrives in a collaborative, international environment. As Credit Risk Analyst, your primary focus will be to review and improve the full credit lifecycle, from new customer assessment and credit matrix definition through to collection. You will balance strategic work such as policy refinement, process optimisation, system enhancements, automation (including Power Automate initiatives), and ERP functionality improvements in D365, with hands‑on activities like cash application and closing tasks. Azelis Azelis is a leading global distributor of specialty chemicals and innovative ingredients, representing first‑class manufacturers across various industries. Our activities are built on decades of experience. Founded in 2001, the company has grown rapidly both organically and through acquisitions and is now present in 65 countries, with 150+ legal entities. We generated over €4 billion revenues in 2024, and we employ more than 4,000 people globally with offices across Europe, Middle East and Africa, the United States, Canada, Latin Americas, as well as Asia Pacific. Our business is industry-focused and organized around Market Segments. Life Sciences includes a.o.: Personal Care, Home Care & Industrial Cleaning, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Food & Nutrition, Animal Nutrition, and Agricultural & Environmental Solutions. Industrial Chemicals covers a.o.: CASE, Rubber & Plastic Additives, Lubricants & Metal Working Fluids. Attractive to this role Lead all Order-to-Cash processes for the EMEA region, spanning 48 legal entities across 11 regions, while collaborating closely with Shared Service Centres in Belgium, Croatia, and Lebanon and multiple local finance teams. The Credit Risk Analyst will be responsible for the end-to-end credit management cycle from customer onboarding and credit matrix setup to collections and ensure consistent application of credit segmentation and authority frameworks. Drive continuous improvement and automation, enhance process standardization, and elevate credit functionality within Dynamics D365 while remaining connected to operational activities such as cash application and financial close. Challenging content and context with opportunities to develop and roll‑out the credit management strategy for the coming years, participate in the migration and integration of new M&A projects. The culture of the regional finance team is characterized by professionalism in people, processes and output. There is a culture of continuous improvement, high quality, supported by a positive working attitude with many growth opportunities. Azelis is listed on the Euronext Stock Exchange of Brussels. Main accountabilities Overdue Management Oversee the collection of overdue accounts (including intercompany), ensuring timely action and resolution of disputes or payment issues. Define monthly collection targets for local finance teams. Implement initiatives to reduce DSO and overdue balances. Work closely with Sales and Legal teams to negotiate and formalise payment solutions. Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of relevant local and international credit‑related regulations. Take a proactive approach in supporting local credit controllers to manage and recover outstanding debts. Organise monthly credit committee meetings with local Finance Managers/Credit Controllers. Support audit activities related to credit and collections. Credit Risk Management Evaluate the creditworthiness of new and existing customers in line with company policies. Monitor the credit portfolio to identify risk exposures and report concerns to management. Approve or withhold the release of blocked sales orders due to overdue balances or credit limit breaches. Provide guidance and expertise to local credit managers. Policy & Process Development Review and improve the effectiveness of the credit control framework to strengthen profitability and minimise bad debt with a focus on simplification, digitalisation, and continuous enhancement. Ensure adherence to internal controls, legal requirements, and industry standards. Design, document, and oversee local processes, working with regional teams to standardise procedures in line with Group standards. Participate in FIT/GAP analyses for M&A integration, ensuring correct adoption of OtC processes and delivering training where required. Stakeholder Management Build and maintain strong working relationships with local finance teams and other business stakeholders. Coordinate with external parties such as collection agencies and legal advisors when necessary. Reporting Prepare regular reports on overdue accounts and collection performance. Present risk and overdue management updates to the Regional OtC Lead. Provide regional insights on credit performance and collection results to management. Experience & Education Bachelor's degree in finance & accounting, business or a related field. At least 3 years of experience in credit management, collections or risk management roles. Strong knowledge of credit risk assessment, collections processes and legal aspects of bad debt recovery. Familiarity with AR accounting entries and analysis. Accurate, efficient and organised with the ability to prioritise tasks as needed. Excellent negotiation, communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills. Hands on personality. Advanced computer skills in ERP systems, preferably in Dynamics D365. Proficient Excel knowledge, experience with PowerApps and PowerBi is a plus. Ability to lead, motivate and manage a team. To be able to work independently in a fast paced environment. Analytical and problem‑solving skills. Team player. Cultural awareness: to be able to work with different cultures and in multiple countries. Critical thinking skills needed to mitigate credit risk and maintain the credit control system. Good knowledge of English. Any other language is a plus. Solid understanding of local and international credit control laws and regulations. #J-18808-Ljbffr