Credit Controller

We are currently recruiting a Credit Controller to work in the Accounts Receivable team. The majority of the AR function is outsourced to NHS Shared Business Services, so a significant part of this role is liaising between them and the rest of the Trust, helping to resolve issues which delay debt recovery. The successful candidate will be a keen problem solver and pro-active in their approach to debt management.

Main Duties

• Liaising between NHS Shared Business Services collections team and internal staff within CNWL to resolve debt-related issues.
• Chasing debt that is too complicated for NHS Shared Business Services.
• Validating charges and raising invoices for salary overpayments.
• Analysing overdue debt to help focus collection efforts.
• Ensuring that financial transactions processed on the AR system are undertaken in accordance with Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders.
• Ensuring all debts are actively followed up by NHS SBS adhering to agreed timescales.
• Working with NHS SBS to rigorously follow up on outstanding debts on behalf of the Trust and, where recoverability is compromised, referring amounts for court action.
• Supporting the Accounts Payable & Receivable Manager in setting up processes and procedures to ensure that all debts are recovered.
• Forwarding any invoices received directly by the organisation to NHS SBS for correct submission.
• Providing support to NHS SBS with customer invoice queries and debt collection.
• Assisting where required in processing new customer account set-up, raising sales orders and recording income into Oracle.
• Reviewing, on a monthly basis, the detailed aged debtors report produced by NHS SBS and compiling the debt reports for the monthly Board packs.
• Preparing the annual review of bad debts and compiling write-offs through the Audit Committee.
• Monitoring compliance with procedures to detect and rectify potential problems before they arise.
• Supporting the completion of returns in respect of debt information.
• Producing and maintaining procedure notes and process maps for the debt process.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues within the Trust and externally, particularly with NHS Shared Business Services, internal and external audit.
• Deputising for the Accounts Payable & Receivable Manager as appropriate.
• Performing any other duties as required by the Accounts Payable & Receivable Manager on a day-to-day basis.

About Us

CNWL's finance department offers a diverse and friendly environment for professional development. We are a large team with many opportunities to progress your career, and have set ourselves the target of finding a mentor for every team member who wants one. Our staff are based across various sites and we welcome flexible working. We also have the benefit of being an accredited employer for ACCA, CIPFA and CIMA.

Person Specification

Essential

• Actively studying for AAT qualification, NVQ level 5 or higher national diploma or equivalent.
• 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including Mathematics and English.
• Experience in a complex health or social care environment.
• Credit control work experience within the finance department of a large organisation.
• Experience in the finance function, processing and reporting financial information.
• Knowledge of finance computerised ledger systems.
• Knowledge of fundamental accounting principles.
• Standard skills in Microsoft Excel, general ledger and Oracle (or equivalent).
• Ability to interpret and apply accounting rules and standards to best effect.
• Advanced keyboard skills for using financial general ledger, spreadsheets, and word processing applications.
• Ability to communicate with a range of people on a range of matters in an appropriate form, clarifying important messages, with well-structured written communication and influential personal style which has a positive impact.
• Communicates effectively using verbal and written skills to ensure contentious financial issues are understandable and the message clear to internal and external customers.
• Influences users by providing accurate and detailed information.
• Plans and organises own areas of responsibility within broad policies and guidelines; ensures reporting timetable is met by the Directorate by organising workload of staff within the section.
• Analyses and interprets information, evaluates issues, and recommends appropriate action.
• Makes professional decisions in consultation with stakeholders to satisfy Trust financial reporting requirements.
• Actively updates on changes in government legislation such as VAT, benefits legislation, and taxation.
• Understands services provided by the NHS and how it interacts with patients and the organisation.

Desirable

• First degree in a relevant subject.
• Full membership of the AAT, ACCA or any other CCAB qualification.
• Experience working within a team supporting a large multi-site organisation.
• Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Access.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered alongside all other applications.

Employer Details

Employer name: Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Argo House, Kilburn Park Road, London, NW6 5FA