Credit Controller
What is a Credit Controller?
A Credit Controller is a professional who regulates credit transactions and ensures all debts are collected in due time to maintain the financial health of an organisation.
What does a Credit Controller do?
Usually, a Credit Controller does the following:
- Chases late payments from customers
- Handles customer enquiries about payments
- Checks credit ratings of potential customers
- Manages a company's debtor ledger
- Arranges payment plans if a customer is struggling to pay on time
What does the day-to-day life of a Credit Controller look like?
A Credit Controller typically works between 9am and 5pm, but this may vary depending on the organisation. A typical day might include checking the company's bank feed for received payments, contacting customers regarding late or missed payments, negotiating repayment plans, and producing financial reports.
Where does a Credit Controller work?
A Credit Controller can work in a range of industries including, but not limited to, banks, retail companies, and manufacturing firms. They usually work in an office environment but with the rise of remote working, some may work from home or any location with a secure internet connection.
What tools/software/hardware does a Credit Controller use?
A Credit Controller uses a range of tools including:
- Accounting Software: This can range from software such as Quickbooks, Sage or Xero.
- Microsoft Office: Word and Excel are heavily used for reports and financial analysis.
What do I need to become a Credit Controller?
There are a few ways to become a Credit Controller, including:
- Bachelor's degree: A degree in finance, business, or a related field would be beneficial.
- Vocational qualification: You can also qualify through a variety of finance or accounting qualifications like AAT.
- Work experience: There is no need for formal qualifications and you can start as an office junior or general administrative assistant.
What career paths are available?
There are a number of career paths you can take as a credit controller, including:
- Senior Credit Controller or Credit Control Manager: With experience, you can progress to managing a team of Credit Controllers.
- Finance Manager or Finance Director: After gaining broad finance experience, you could elevate to these roles.
- Cash Flow Manager: This role includes overseeing all cash received and spent by the company.
What jobs are similar to a Credit Controller?
- Accounts Receivable Clerk: Works on recording and acquiring payment for money owed to a firm.
- Finance Officer: Manages a company's financial goals, objectives and budgets.
- Bookkeeper: They record and balance financial transactions on a day-to-day basis.
What made you want to become a Credit Controller?
How did you get your first Credit Controller job?
What was the one thing that surprised you the most about being a Credit Controller?
Are you a Credit Controller? We want you to share your experiences with those looking to start or change their careers to Credit Controller. If you're interested contact us at mail@calumchilds.com.