Overview
As Senior Credit Controller, you will play a key role in driving the business's cashflow performance and minimising risk exposure across a high-value customer base. This position goes beyond collections: you'll lead on complex accounts, partner with senior stakeholders, and act as a subject matter expert in credit risk and debt recovery within the construction industry.
You'll have significant autonomy in assessing credit risk, negotiating settlements, and influencing policy and process improvements. This is an opportunity for an experienced Credit Controller looking to step up into a more strategic, business-facing role.
Key Responsibilities
Credit & Risk Management
* Lead the credit approval process for high-value and complex accounts.
* Set and review customer credit limits based on in-depth risk analysis and market insight.
* Oversee credit insurance coverage and liaise with providers on risk mitigation.
* Provide guidance to the wider team on credit policy application and risk assessments.
Debt Collection & Complex Accounts
* Take ownership of the most challenging and high-value accounts, ensuring timely recovery of debt.
* Negotiate complex repayment plans and settlements with senior client stakeholders.
* Escalate and manage contentious debt issues, including preparing cases for legal action where required.
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
* Act as the primary credit contact for Regional Directors, Commercial Managers, and senior leadership.
* Build strong, strategic relationships with key customers to enable effective payment solutions.
* Partner with commercial and operations teams to influence credit terms and improve billing practices.
Reporting & Insight
* Produce detailed aged debt and cashflow reports for senior management.
* Present insights and recommendations on credit exposure, customer payment behaviour, and financial risks.
* Support forecasting and cashflow planning across the group.
Process Improvement & Leadership
* Drive continuous improvements to credit control policies, systems, and reporting tools.
* Mentor junior credit controllers and share best practice in negotiations, risk assessment, and dispute resolution.
* Contribute to projects aimed at strengthening financial governance and working capital efficiency.
Skills & Qualifications
* Proven experience in Credit Control, with demonstrable success in managing complex accounts within the construction industry (essential).
* Strong knowledge of credit risk, debt recovery strategies, and financial analysis.
* Commercially minded with excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
* Confident communicator with the ability to engage senior internal and external stakeholders.
* Proficiency in accounting systems (NetSuite desirable) and advanced Excel.
* Experience with construction contracts, applications, progress billing, and retentions (essential).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Reduction in Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
* Improvement in aged debt profile.
* Enhanced cashflow and debtor recoveries.
* Demonstrable contribution to improved credit policies and processes.