At a Glance
- Tasks: Collect payments, manage accounts, and build relationships with customers.
- Company: Join Look Ahead, a leading not-for-profit care provider in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy up to 30 days annual leave, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Two years' experience in credit control and strong communication skills.
We're looking for a motivated, innovative and resilient Credit Controller to join our Finance team located at our Head Office in Islington. £40,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week. Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here. Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
- Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
- A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
- Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
- Fully paid induction programme and further training
- ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
- Online wellbeing resources
- Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
- Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
The Senior Creditor Controller (Income) will play a key part in the Business's income processing activity. The working pattern for this role consists of: Monday to Friday. Hybrid working - 2 days from Head Office (Tuesday, Wednesday or as required).
What you'll do:
- Reduce debt by collecting payments on time and within agreed payment terms and credit limits, using email, telephone and written follow-up.
- Ensure cash received is allocated to the correct accounts, and investigate, analyse and follow up on any underpayments or overpayments with the relevant team.
- Regularly reconcile accounts to ensure payments have been allocated correctly.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with key customers and internal stakeholders.
- Arrange and attend internal and external liaison meetings as needed to reduce debt risk and address barriers to payment.
- Review overdue historical debt and prepare reports identifying amounts that may qualify for write-off under the Bad Debt provision.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joining local activities to encourage service-user involvement.
- Approachable and open behaviour.
- Prefers working as part of a group or team.
- Is calm and resilient, and does not allow emotion to affect judgement.
- Has a practical and logical approach and is naturally well organised.
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic, diverse environments.
- Is confident and has strong self-esteem.
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- At least two years' experience in a Senior Credit Controller role.
- Commercial exposure to the Income function.
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to manage own workload and meet agreed deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure.
- Excellent IT and communication skills.
Desirable:
- Experience of working in a social housing organisation.
- Experience of working with SUN.
- Experience of working with CSB and Collect Plus.
- Graduate or AAT qualified.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
- We focus on Excellence and innovation.
- We are Caring and Compassionate.
- We are Inclusive and Trusted.
- We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for full Job description.
Credit Controller employer: Look Ahead Care and Support
Look Ahead is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in Islington, our Head Office provides a vibrant environment where you can thrive, with benefits such as generous annual leave, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to recognising staff contributions through quarterly awards. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in a dynamic and innovative organisation.
Contact Details:
Look Ahead Care and Support Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Credit Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Look Ahead Care and Support. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Credit Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Look Ahead Care and Support.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Look Ahead Care and Support's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Look Ahead Care and Support
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Look Ahead Care and Support.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Look Ahead Care and Support will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Look Ahead Care and Support employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
