Administrative Assistant in Carlisle

We are looking for a highly organised and detail-focused Administration Assistant to join our Credit Control Department in our Carlisle Head Office on a temporary, part-time basis. This is a key support role within the team, helping to ensure aged debt is managed efficiently while delivering a professional and empathetic service to our customers. You will play an important part in resolving customer queries, processing payments accurately and supporting the wider team to meet departmental targets. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, is confident communicating with customers, and takes pride in accuracy and organisation. This is a 20 hour per week role, covering colleagues' maternity leave.

About Us: Every day we provide rural and agricultural communities with the support they need to succeed. We have the people, products, and services to help our customers get from where they are now to where they want to be. Carr's Billington Agriculture is a subsidiary of The Billington Group.

Responsibilities:

• Handling customer queries via multiple channels, including inbound calls, emails and face-to-face interactions, in a polite and professional manner.
• Taking and processing customer payments, both in person and over the phone.
• Assisting with the cash allocation process, ensuring payments are allocated accurately and in a timely manner.
• Setting up customer direct debits over the phone, ensuring all relevant legislation and procedures are followed.
• Reviewing customer credit limits and approving orders that exceed agreed limits, in line with company guidelines.
• Prioritising and multitasking effectively to help achieve departmental targets.
• Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in response to changing priorities.
• Building positive working relationships across the business and taking a proactive approach to supporting colleagues and other functions.
• Undertaking any other tasks associated with the efficient operation of the Credit Control function.

You will be expected to adhere to all Company and Group policies and procedures, including those relating to data protection, financial controls and customer confidentiality.

Essential Skills, Experience and Qualities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally.
• A flexible approach to work, with the ability to adapt to unexpected demands.
• Demonstrated patience and empathy when dealing with customer queries.
• Confident IT user, with a working knowledge of Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Desirable:

• Previous administrative experience within a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in a finance, accounts or credit control setting.

Benefits:

• An attractive salary package.
• Annual salary reviews in September each year.
• A minimum of 25 days annual leave.
• Opportunity to work for a well-established family-owned business with ambitions for growth and innovation.
• Health Assured – Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which offers counselling and health and wellbeing advice.
• Sick pay – Generous company sick pay entitlement.
• Health Cash Plan – A health cash plan allowing colleagues to claim back money spent on everyday health care.
• Staff Discount – Colleagues are eligible for a generous staff discount on selected products at our Country Stores.
• Cycle to work scheme – A salary sacrifice scheme saving you tax on the purchase of a new bicycle and equipment.
• Flexible life assurance and critical illness cover – Option to increase life assurance or add critical illness cover at preferential rates.
• My Savings Hub – Access to a member discounts website with 3,500+ brands.
• Salary finance benefits – Savings schemes, preferential rate loans and wage advances through payroll.
• Pension – Enrolment into the Company pension scheme after 3 months of employment.
• Training & Development – Role-specific training and ongoing development opportunities identified through our appraisal scheme.