The role of credit controller can be essential to the smooth, successful running of your business. The service you provide can be the most efficient and high quality imaginable, but if you are not paid for this correctly by the client then it can leave you in trouble through no fault of your own.

It is the credit controller’s job to keep track of clients and ensure they pay you correctly and at the appointed time. Depending on the size of your business, you may have more than one credit controller, but however many you work with it is important they know what they are doing.

What qualities should you be looking for in a credit controller?

First and foremost, attention to detail is vital. It is very likely that your credit controller will be working on more than one client account, and it is important that they know how much and how often each one is due to pay.

Their organisational skills will help make sure they spot any anomalies in client accounts, and can chase up any outstanding amounts. If they are not capable of multi-tasking, they are unlikely to make a successful credit controller.

What happens when a payment is not received?

Of course, a credit controller will really come into their own when things go wrong. At this stage, they will need to possess positive people skills in order to draw the matter to a successful and amicable conclusion.

It is important to approach each of these situations with tact. After all, there may be a logical explanation for a late or incorrect payment, or it may be a simple oversight or human error that can be quickly rectified. In these situations, a friendly chat can resolve the issue and your relationship with this client will remain on a positive footing.

In the event that resistance is encountered, for example if a client refuses to answer phone calls or emails and appears to be avoiding you, then a more robust approach will be needed. However, it is important to maintain a friendly tone for as long as possible and leave legal action as a last resort.

Looking for team players

In many cases, a credit controller will be working as part of a team. Their day-to-day role may involve liaising with their fellow credit controllers, or other members of staff who are working on the same client accounts.

Effective communication is crucial for any business. As such, even if you are hiring new staff with no prior credit control experience, with the intention of training them up, it might still be a good idea to select candidates with previous experience of working effectively within a team.

Finding senior credit control staff

If you do need multiple credit controllers to cover all your accounts, you are likely to want a senior member of staff to oversee the whole operation.

Senior credit controllers will need all of the skills we’ve already discussed, but naturally you will be looking for some managerial qualities as well. Your exact requirements will depend on your business – you may insist on someone with prior management experience, or you could choose someone who has worked in the industry for a long time and is ready to take the next step.

Whoever you ultimately choose to become part of your business, it is important to recognise just how essential good quality credit control staff can be to the company and make sure you position yourself to attract the strongest candidates.
Portfolio Credit Control is a specialist recruitment agency with 25 years of experience in the credit control sector. They can help businesses find their ideal candidate and help prospective employees pursue roles which are best suited to them.