Credit Control Manager in Bristol

HLK is an IP powerhouse comprising over 200 people in 7 locations, providing a full suite of IP services advising across the globe and in all technical and scientific disciplines. We secure intellectual property rights for our clients, who are at the forefront of technological development in the electronics, engineering, chemical, and biotechnology sectors.

Our clients expect only the best from us and that is what we deliver. Our work is progressive and challenging yet rewarding. At HLK, people are at the heart of everything we do, which is why we invest in professional development, run a yearly wellbeing programme, and act on employee feedback.

Reporting to the Finance Director, as a Credit Control Manager you will lead the credit control function across HLK, HLR, and PartG mbB. You will play a critical role in managing credit risk, ensuring timely collections, and contributing to the overall financial stability and strategic goals of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the credit control function, ensuring invoices are collected in accordance with agreed payment terms, and management and reduction of aged debt.
• Manage and develop a team of 2 direct reports, providing mentoring, support, and performance management, ensuring team targets and objectives are achieved.
• Oversee timely allocation of cash receipts and manage advance receipt of funds to maintain accurate financial records.
• Design and implement processes to maximise debt recovery and improve overall credit control efficiency.
• Prepare debtor reports for presentation to the Management Committee and take ownership of forecasting receipts for cashflow planning.
• Manage credit risk, assessing client creditworthiness and setting limits and terms in line with company policies and ensure compliance across all fee earning teams.
• Collaborate with fee earning teams to resolve client payment issues, providing guidance on credit risk and payment trends and supporting billing strategies.
• Contribute ideas to the ongoing development of our new accounting and billing system.
• Prepare responses for our auditors as part of our annual audit cycle to evidence receipts and billing.
• Ad-hoc tasks as required to support the business.

The successful candidate will have

• Significant credit control experience, ideally within professional services.
• Line management experience with a proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop a small team.
• Strong knowledge of credit control processes and aged debt management.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills; ideally CICM qualified.
• Proficient in Excel and confident in producing financial reports.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders such as Partners.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, and ability to prioritise workloads.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A proactive, enthusiastic, and flexible approach to work.

HLK offers a great work/life balance, a friendly and supportive working environment, and the opportunity for hybrid working. No previous IP experience is required; full training will be provided.

To apply, please click on the ‘Apply for this job’ button and follow the instructions. If you would like to discuss this role further please contact Jess Matthews (HR Administrator) on 0117 910 3200 or you can email us at careers@hlk-ip.com. Please note we do not accept applications from job boards, please apply directly on our website to be considered.