Part-Time Credit Controller

You will work closely with the finance team to monitor and minimise aged debts, ensuring smooth cash flow operations. This role requires a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and has a proven track record in credit control or accounts receivable.

In this role, you will act as a key point of contact for customers regarding payment matters and will be responsible for negotiating payment terms, resolving disputes, and ensuring adherence to credit policies. Your ability to effectively communicate, organise tasks, and provide timely reports will be crucial to the success of the credit control function.

Key Responsibilities

Credit Management:

• Monitor customer accounts regularly to identify overdue balances and take action to ensure timely payments.
• Use email, phone, and written communication to follow up on overdue invoices, maintaining a professional and assertive approach.

Invoice Management:

• Track and manage high-value invoices by requesting status updates from customers and using customer portals where applicable.
• Liaise with customers to confirm payment terms, due dates, and address any questions related to invoice processing.

Debt Collection:

• Proactively chase overdue payments, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon payment terms.
• Where necessary, negotiate payment plans or instalment options with customers who are unable to meet immediate payment obligations.
• Escalate issues regarding non-payment to senior management and recommend legal or collection agency action when appropriate.

Customer Relations:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers to ensure smooth resolution of payment issues while preserving positive business relations.
• Act as the main point of contact for customer queries related to invoices, credit limits, and payment arrangements.
• Provide exceptional customer service by handling disputes diplomatically and ensuring that all issues are resolved promptly.

Reporting:

• Assist in the preparation of monthly and quarterly financial reports related to accounts receivable and collections performance.

Credit Assessments:

Conduct credit checks for new and existing customers to assess their financial health and recommend appropriate credit limits based on risk levels.

Liaise with external credit agencies to gather credit reports and financial data for creditworthiness analysis.

Dispute Resolution:

• Collaborate with customers and internal departments, such as sales, operations, and finance, to resolve billing discrepancies, account issues, or payment disputes.
• Take ownership of complex queries, ensuring they are resolved swiftly and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.

Process Improvement:

• Identify areas where existing credit control processes can be improved, and collaborate with the finance team to implement more efficient systems.
• Propose and implement automation solutions, where appropriate, to streamline debt collection activities and reporting.

Compliance:

• Ensure that all credit control activities comply with the Group’s internal credit policies, industry regulations, and legal requirements.
• Stay updated on changes in relevant regulations that may impact credit management practices and recommend adjustments to policies as necessary.

Qualifications & Skills:

Experience: Proven experience in credit control, accounts receivable, or a related finance role, with a strong understanding of credit management processes.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in using accounting software such as Sage or other ERP systems.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, data analysis).

Communication:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to handle difficult conversations with professionalism.

Organisational Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple customer accounts simultaneously.
• Effective time management skills to meet deadlines and achieve collection targets.

Problem-Solving:

• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex payment issues or disputes in a calm and diplomatic manner.
• Strong analytical skills to assess customer risk and make sound credit decisions.

Team Player:

• Able to work independently with minimal supervision, while also collaborating with other departments to achieve shared goals.

Customer-Focused:

• A positive and customer-centric approach to credit control, with the ability to build long-lasting relationships with clients while maintaining firm control over debt recovery processes.

Location: Brentwood House
Reports to: Finance Director
Hours: 20-25 hours per week

Must be able to drive and have use of a car as we are not near public transport.