Senior Credit Controller

The Vesta Software Group acquires, manages, and builds software companies in a variety of vertical markets, enabling them to be clear leaders in their industries. Our companies provide mission-critical enterprise solutions for vertical industries across the entire industry value chain. Being a portfolio group of Jonas Software (within Constellation Software Inc.), the Vesta Software Group is all about strengthening businesses within the markets in which we compete and enabling them to grow.

We are seeking a dedicated professional Senior Credit Controller to join our team on a full-time basis. The successful candidate will be an integral part of the finance team in a high growth organisation and will be responsible for participating in the day-to-day processes of the team. Reporting into the Transactional and Credit Control Manager and working for a selection of companies within the Ceres Portfolio, you will be responsible for the delivery of accounting information within a high-performance culture. Vesta operates in a casual working environment and promotes both team and individual growth. This role is based in Wallingford, but Vesta operates across multiple geographical locations and therefore the role may require some travel to UK sites.

To be successful in the role you will also need a high degree of personal initiative and the ability to interact with non-financial managers and staff at all levels. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Senior Credit Controller to progress and begin a career with the Company.

This is a multi-faceted role, across multiple Ceres companies, where the post holder will be expected (but is not limited) to:

• Call and e-mail customers to discuss and collect payments. Make notes of findings in the accounting system for reference.
• Provide special focus on the collection of over 60 day and problematic debt.
• Resolve complex customer queries and disputes. Review recorded disputes and ensure that these are being dealt with in a timely manner by the business and escalate where necessary.
• Send out account statements and further reminders in line with Company Control Policy.
• Prepare and review the letter before action (LBA’s), and send it to the customer after obtaining business approval and confirming prior contact with the customer.
• Review and manage any movements of unallocated cash, including movements via the 2050.50 account, with a focus of clearing down historical balances.
• Compile and distribute the weekly report to all businesses and key Senior Central personnel.
• Manage, lead and develop direct reports.
• Continually seek process improvements to increase cashflow for businesses within Ceres.
• Assist with external/internal audit requirements, including deliverables including samples to the external/internal auditors.
• Attend relevant AR calls for businesses with significantly overdue debt or unresolved disputes; help junior colleagues on these matters and escalate to the Transactional and Credit Control Manager when appropriate.
• Provide additional chase support during peak times in the year for all Ceres ledgers. Additionally, provide holiday cover where required.
• Provide relevant training to new and existing team members.
• Where required assist with the credit control element in the integration of new businesses.
• Adapt to increased workload and changing processes due to ongoing company acquisitions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and other stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and industry best practices.
• Contribute to the implementation of new ERP or CRM systems regarding credit control functionality where necessary.
• Work alongside Business Unit Managers to help drive KPI targets.

Proven experience as a Senior Credit Controller, preferably within a multi-site or acquisition-focused environment. Relevant professional qualification (e.g., CICM) is desirable. Strong understanding of credit management principles and practices. Excellent knowledge of credit risk assessment and debt recovery procedures. Strong attention to detail. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Excellent IT skills including a high level of proficiency in Excel. Experience of Microsoft Great Plains & Credit Hound software would be an advantage.

• Strong interpersonal skills with both written and verbal communication skills at all levels, with a confident and professional telephone manner.
• A demonstrated ability to process large quantity of data quickly and effectively, to deliver results.
• A strong work ethic and be highly organised and methodical.
• Solution-focused, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks.
• Persistent and resilient under pressure.
• Detail oriented and accurate with the ability to review your own work and detect and fix errors prior to your manager’s review.
• A good team player, who can work on their own initiative as well as follow guidance and instructions from senior members of the team.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and keen to learn and share knowledge.
• Adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment.