The Importance of a great Credit Controller in your business
As a specialist in Finance Recruitment, I help my clients in their search for new Credit Controllers in a variety of industries across the Midlands region. In my opinion, the specialism of a Credit Controller is one of the key components of a slick finance structure and I always enjoy recruiting for this role.
People who aren’t overly familiar with the disciplines of a Credit Controller often overlook the vital part this role plays in a business, with some seeing credit controllers as a “sales prevention team”. I have to confess that I have previously been guilty of this. Having worked previously in a sales role I encountered numerous challenges from our credit team. I now appreciate that the Sales Team Vs Credit Control battle is prominent in so many organisations.
I can now see these situations through different eyes and appreciate the important role that these, often underrated finance professionals have. A strong Credit Controller is the one who keeps the pennies coming in, and they are able to identify and mitigate risk for their business, which in turn leads to profitability and healthy cash flow.
In addition to this a strong Credit Controller can contribute in many other significant aspects of a business, from rapport building with the business’ clients at all levels, through to being a robust and resilient sales support to their own business, thereby providing up to date information on a customer’s credit lines and credit limits to ensure the sales cycle is handled efficiently. In my own experience, my credit control colleagues have been instrumental in helping me manage pipelines, forecasting and bespoke credit terms to transact business successfully.
When I am looking for experienced Credit Controllers, I focus on how they add value to their businesses and how they can provide examples of where they have made a difference. The Credit Controllers I have worked with have helped Sales and Finance Managers and Directors with accurate cash flow forecasting based on their knowledge of the accounts base and the payment trends of their clients, whilst highlighting those clients who are regularly paying late and an evaluation of the risk they present.
The role of a Credit Control can generally be autonomous, with minimal supervision. They will be quick decision makers, be able to negotiate payment plans and extended credit terms with little or no consultation with management where they have a proven and background in such decision making at a strategic level.
In my view, an outstanding Credit Controller is a valuable asset to any business and can often be the rationale and commercial link between a successful sales team and collections focused accounts team. It takes a strong and confident individual to be successful in this role. So I ask you, do you appreciate the importance of your Credit Controllers? I certainly do, and actually, I realise that this job takes a special type of person to excel in it.
If you are looking for your Credit Controller to drive added value into your business or you are seeking a new opportunity in Credit Control, please get in touch to discuss how Ashley Kate can help you.
Connect with Scott on;
