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Credit controller
Debt collection agent
Credit controllers manage the money given to customers and recover debts owed by businesses and individuals.
Average salary (a year)
£21000
Starter
£32000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 40.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; applying directly
University
You could do a foundation degree or degree in
business, finance, accounting, business and management
Some larger companies offer graduate training schemes, which prepare you for a career in credit control and management.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could do a college course which will give you some of the skills you’ll need to apply for a trainee credit controller position.
Courses include
bookkeeping and accounting, computerised accounting for business, business and finance, a T Level in Finance
You can speak to your college to find the right level course for you. Some colleges also offer distance learning courses.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could apply for an apprenticeship such as
Credit Controller and Collector Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.
If you want to train for a manger role, you could take an Account and Finance Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship over 3 years.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start as a finance assistant in a credit control department. You could then train on the job to become a credit controller or deputy manager.
The Chartered Institute of Credit Management offers courses at different levels tailored to your experience.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to be a credit controller, as many companies will train you on the job. The qualifications and experience you'll need will vary.
Most employers will expect you to have
3 to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths, the ability to use spreadsheets and accounting packages, experience of office administration or customer service work
You might be able to move into credit control if you have experience in
bookkeeping, accounts, debt collecting
More information
You can find out more about careers in credit control and management from the Chartered Institute of Credit Management.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Customer service skills
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    Maths knowledge
    Administration skills
    Excellent verbal communication skills
    Active listening skills
    Persistence and determination
    Patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As a credit controller, you could
check customer credit ratings and set up credit accounts, speak with customers to organise repayments, start legal proceedings if debts are not paid within an agreed time, process payments and keep customer records up to date, produce credit reports for management
Working environment
You could work in an office, in a contact centre, from home or at a client's business.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience and professional qualifications, you could
become a credit manager, work with an accountancy firm, become a self-employed consultant, advise businesses on credit systems
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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