Credit Controller in South Shields

LOCATION: TYNE DOCK, SOUTH SHIELDS, TYNE & WEAR NE33 5SP

SALARY: £25k-£27k per annum depending on experience

Full-time 37.5 hours per week Office based role: at least 80% of the working week Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm including 1 hour lunch break

Plus benefits including on-site parking

JML is a dynamic, multi-channel consumer products business with over 40 years of expertise in product innovation, brand development, and retail marketing. Our continued growth is driven by data led decision making, strong customer relationships, and first-class customer service.

Reporting to the transactional finance manager, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining retail customer accounts focusing on the proactive management of debt and ensuring payments are received promptly. You will monitor incoming funds, reconcile transactions, investigate and resolve queries, challenging where appropriate. You will demonstrate a strong understanding of debits and credits and experience reconciling high volume or multi product sales displaying excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail. Advanced Excel and Microsoft Office skills are required as you will be expected to use formulas and analyse data. Experience using Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365 F&O) and previous credit control experience is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain a portfolio of UK and international customer accounts, ensuring balances are accurate and within agreed credit terms.
• Proactively manage collections, ensuring cash is received in line with agreed payment terms, early settlement discounts, and promotional agreements.
• Investigate and resolve customer queries including pricing differences, shortages, markdown support, rebates, promotional funding, and settlement deductions.
• Review and validate customer deductions to ensure they are contractually agreed and accurately applied.
• Ensure customer queries and disputes are logged, tracked, and resolved within agreed timescales.
• Allocate cash, invoices, and credit notes accurately and efficiently to ensure timely clearing of accounts.
• Prepare and process credit notes for approved price adjustments, rebates and returns in line with company policy.
• Obtain and manage Proof of Delivery (PODs) and supporting documentation to resolve disputes efficiently.
• Set up new customer accounts and maintain accurate master data within D365 Finance & Operations (F&O).
• Identify and escalate high-risk accounts and overdue balances, recommending appropriate actions to minimise bad debt exposure.
• Ensure D365 F&O and related systems are kept up to date with accurate customer and transaction data.
• Build effective working relationships with customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders to resolve issues and support commercial objectives.

Experience & Skills

Essential

• Previous experience in an Accounts Receivable/Credit Control or finance administration role.
• Strong understanding of basic accounting principles with the ability to reconcile complex accounts accurately.
• Good analytical and investigative skills with the confidence to challenge discrepancies.
• Ability to manage high volumes of transactions and meet deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships internally and externally.
• Experience working with ERP or accounting systems.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Organised and methodical approach with strong attention to detail.
• Self-motivated team player with a proactive mindset.
• High levels of integrity and professional conduct.

Desirable

• Experience with Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (D365 F&O).
• Experience in a retail environment.
• Exposure to month-end close and audit processes.

In return we will provide all the training you will need to succeed within the role and give you a chance to have a successful career in a growing business that rewards staff for their hard work.

Benefits JML Offer

• 25 days holiday a year (plus 8 bank/public holidays), increasing after 3 and 6 years’ service.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private Health Insurance after 1 year of service
• Contributory Pension Scheme after 3 months of service
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Staff Product Discount Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity

For further information about JML or our products visit our website at www.JMLdirect.com