1. Home: Explore careers
  2. Credit controller

Credit controller

Alternative titles for this job include Debt collection agent

Credit controllers help firms get the money they are owed from businesses and individuals.

Average salary (a year)

£18,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

38 to 40 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a credit controller

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

College

You could do a college course that may give you some of the skills required to do this job.

Courses include:

  • Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Credit Management
  • Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Financial Studies
  • T Level in Finance

Entry requirements

You may need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into this role through the following apprenticeships:

  • credit controller and collector intermediate apprenticeship
  • accounts or finance assistant intermediate apprenticeship
  • advanced credit controller and debt collection specialist

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

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly to be a credit controller, as many large 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 computer accounts packages
  • experience of office administration or customer service work

A qualification in bookkeeping or accounts can also be useful.

You may be able to move into credit control after getting experience in accounts, finance or debt collecting.

More Information

Further information

You can get more details on working in credit control and specialist qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Credit Management.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • administration skills
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • contact customers when payment is late
  • check credit records and find customers who owe money
  • set up repayment plans and work with debt counsellors
  • set up and maintain customer files
  • process payments
  • start legal processes if debts are not paid within an agreed time
  • work with solicitors and bailiffs

Working environment

You could work in an office, in a contact centre, from home or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience and professional qualifications, you could be promoted to credit manager.

You could also start your own collection agency or become a freelance collector.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Apprentice Accounts Assistant

  • Wage: £11,500.00 Annually
  • Location: Belmont Business Park, Durham

AAT Accounts Apprentice

  • Wage: £12,000.00 Annually
  • Location: Nottingham, UK

Courses In England

Financial Studies

  • Provider: FULSTON MANOR SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Sittingbourne

Financial Studies

  • Provider: JOHN TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Burton on Trent

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

Skills assessment

Take an assessment to learn more about your skills and the careers that might suit you.

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Thank you for your feedback.

Thank you for your feedback. Click here if you'd like to let us know how we can improve the service.