Hiring managers look for top quality talent when hiring into their Credit Control function, whether this is an in-house or contracted position, because hiring the right Credit Controller is essential for achieving business success and solvency.
With demand for competent and assertive Credit Control professionals still on the rise across the UK, Richard Wood, Principal of Finance at Robert Walters, discusses what it takes to succeed in a Credit Control career.
Are you capable of working well under pressure?
If you have strong computer skills, can relate politely but firmly to people, are comfortable with dealing with numbers and able to work well and calmly when under pressure, then there may be a Credit Control job out there waiting for you.
Richard explains, “Working well under pressure and stretching yourself to meet tough deadlines is an important part of being a successful Credit Controller. A credit control role should be viewed as a mix of customer service and finance. Credit Controllers need to be confident when dealing with figures and have an ability to keep calm when dealing with potentially difficult situations, approaching the situation in a polite manner, ensuring not to damage relationships.”
“Employers are recognising Credit Controllers as more than just a static role, but as a vital function for business stakeholder relationship management and financial planning. Hiring managers are widening their searches, which in turn is broadening the number of Credit Control opportunities in the market.”
Do you possess good interpersonal and people management skills?
A Credit Controller is responsible for collecting invoices and ensures that credit given to customers is monitored. Duties include processing and generating reminder letters and monthly statements, daily and month end reporting and account reconciliations, and resolving non-paid invoices.
Richard explains, “The tasks of a Credit Controller, the difficult situations you may encounter when collecting payments and the skills you need vary on a daily basis. This means that within a Credit Control role, you will interact with multiple stakeholders throughout the day, highlighting that cultural fit and good interpersonal skills are an essential part of being successful within the role.”
“Although technical and industry skills are useful, people from a sales, customer service or a general client facing role possess confidence and the adaptability to thrive in the role and achieve results. The role utilises the various skills from various industries that may not have been traditionally recognised as important skills to have in a Credit Control position.”
cultural fit and good interpersonal skills are an essential part of being successful in a Credit Control career.
“As Britain adapts to future outside the EU, economic and political uncertainty has the potential to damage relationships between businesses and their customers, meaning interpersonal and relationship management is particularly important for the Credit Control professionals. Credit control teams can play a key role in helping to maintain these relationships and ensuring that the business is able to maintain financial stability.”
Do you have good numerical and analytical skills?
“Experienced Credit Controllers are highly sought after and with such fierce competition in the market to secure such talent, many employers are now considering looking outside their field for high-potential new hires who can demonstrate particular skills that will allow them to develop and grow as a Credit Controller.”
“As a Credit Controller, you will be expected to work with figures and numbers confidently on a daily basis, so confidence with maths is important. You may have an advantage if you have previous experience in Credit Control, office work, customer service or accounts.”
Below is a list of the day-to-day tasks that will require strong numerically accuracy and ability:
- Reviewing sales ledger/ aged debtors report for overdue accounts
- Chasing debts from customers
- Obtaining overdue payments
- Dealing with customer queries regarding disputed invoices
- Issuing credit notes
- Reducing debtor days
- Setting up payment plans
- Initiating action for legal recovery
Do you have the right qualifications?
“Hiring managers often ask for an ICM (Institute of Credit Managers) qualification when recruiting for the role, however, this is not always the case. Credit controllers do not necessarily need to hold any specific qualifications prior to making an application. However, good GCSE grades and A Level grades will look good on any CV. Many Credit Controllers hold degrees in appropriate subjects, including Mathematics and Economics. Before applying for a position as a Credit Controller, make sure that you are comfortable working with figures and can be assertive and confident in your daily tasks.”
Richard highlights,“No official experience needs to be gained prior to making an application, but hiring managers traditionally look at and favour candidates with a finance background. Although, with shifts in the behaviour of hiring managers, professionals from various industries with applicable and transferrable skill sets now have the opportunity to transition into a Credit Control career.”
If you’re looking for your next Credit Control opportunity or if you’re looking to transition into a career in the field, why not search the latest Credit Control opportunities or contact us today for expert career advice.
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