Credit controller

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• business
• finance
• accounting
• business and management

Some larger companies offer graduate training schemes, which prepare you for a career in credit control and management.

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You could do a college course which will give you some of the skills you’ll need to apply for a trainee credit controller position.

Courses include:

• bookkeeping and accounting
• computerised accounting for business
• business and finance
• a T Level in Finance

You can speak to your college to find the right level course for you. Some colleges also offer distance learning courses.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship such as:

• Credit Controller and Collector Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

If you want to train for a manger role, you could take an Account and Finance Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship over 3 years.

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as a finance assistant in a credit control department. You could then train on the job to become a credit controller or deputy manager.

The Chartered Institute of Credit Management offers courses at different levels tailored to your experience.

DirectApplication

You can apply directly to be a credit controller, as many companies will train you on the job. The qualifications and experience you'll need will vary.

Most employers will expect you to have:

• 3 to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths
• the ability to use spreadsheets and accounting packages
• experience of office administration or customer service work

You might be able to move into credit control if you have experience in:

• bookkeeping
• accounts
• debt collecting

More information

You can find out more about careers in credit control and management from the Chartered Institute of Credit Management.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• maths knowledge
• administration skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• persistence and determination
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• ambition and a desire to succeed
• persuading skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• thinking and reasoning skills
• knowledge of English language
• concentration skills
• legal knowledge including court procedures and government regulations
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Credit controllers manage the money given to customers and recover debts owed by businesses and individuals.

As a credit controller, you could:

• check customer credit ratings and set up credit accounts
• speak with customers to organise repayments
• start legal proceedings if debts are not paid within an agreed time
• process payments and keep customer records up to date
• produce credit reports for management

Location : You could work in an office, in a contact centre, from home or at a client's business.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £32,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on shifts

Career Path:

With experience and professional qualifications, you could:

• become a credit manager
• work with an accountancy firm
• become a self-employed consultant
• advise businesses on credit systems