Credit Controller

Job Purpose

You will be responsible for coordinating the debts of existing creditors, managing all money borrowed or owed to First Mile. They will handle the collection of finances and the resolution of account queries, raising sale invoices and issuing credit notes. You will also assist in timely cash allocation, dispute resolution and continuous statement reconciliation of customer accounts to ensure the organisation receives debtor payments within agreed terms.

Key Accountabilities

• Responsible for cash allocation, dispute resolution and debt collection.
• Chase overdue invoices by telephone, email and letter within agreed timescales, with a view to converting customers to the Direct Debit payment method.
• Ensure all targets are met and query resolution is prompt.
• Provision of finance administration.
• Regularly complete data validation routines to maintain the integrity of the organisation’s financial records.
• Maintain an audit trail of credit control activities and collection history on the database.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Debt Collection and Dispute Resolution
• Deal with client requests for copy bills, bank details, or pass requests to fee earners for breakdowns, resolving queries directly with clients where possible.
• Receive payments due via credit/debit cards over the telephone.
• Record all case actions and liaise with appropriate staff to ensure query resolution.
• Work closely with Customer Services to ensure accurate billing information is received.
• Finance and Ledger Administration
• Assist in maintaining the Purchase Ledger, including:
• Inputting invoices
• Processing Barclaycard, Direct Debits and foreign payments
• Setting up new supplier accounts
• Completing invoice header sheets
• Supporting monthly close-down
• Producing month-end reports
• Raise Sales Ledger invoices and credit notes.
• Assist with allocation of cash and Cashbook journals.
• Post payments to accounts and allocate as required.
• Undertake account reconciliations as required.
• Carry out daily banking.
• Complete daily cash postings into the Sales Ledger system.

Additional Responsibilities

• Negotiate payment schedules where necessary and encourage early settlement of outstanding debt where applicable.
• Handle disputed bills and negotiate to bring payment within agreed terms.
• Send out monthly client statements/letters as agreed.
• Action the Accounts email inbox.
• Open and distribute post daily, ensuring all mail is passed to the relevant staff.
• Provide regular information on debt levels and anticipated payment dates to the Finance Director to support cash flow management.
• Perform any other duties as requested by the Credit Control Manager, commensurate with the grade of the post.

Requirements

• Ability to work in a high volume, fast paced environment
• Strong team work and collaboration skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Ability to demonstrate a strong work ethic and 'can do' attitude
• Willingness to sell the benefits of First Mile
• Desire to go above and beyond expectations
• Excellent telephone manner and a determination to collect cash efficiently, working towards set targets
• Ability to persuade customers to sign up for direct debit
• Strong Excel skills and experience of using web-based systems
• Strong organisational skills with good attention to detail
• Strong understanding of the importance of cash collection and customer management

Benefits

• competitive salary
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), plus one additional day for each complete year of service up to 5 days
• £60 per month welfare allowance to spend on whatever you like
• Access to our employee assistance programme providing free access to financial advice, virtual GP and counselling services
• Access to our salary sacrifice scheme, allowing you to make savings on a range of retailers
• Hybrid working pattern of 60% office based and 40% at home