Location: Derby
Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours)
Salary: Dependent on experience
We're looking for a proactive and people-focused Credit Controller to join our Internal Finance team in Derby.
At PKF Smith Cooper, you'll play an important role in helping the business maintain healthy cash flow while building positive relationships with clients and colleagues across the firm. Working closely with our Senior Credit Controller, you'll take ownership of your own portfolio of accounts, helping to resolve queries, reduce outstanding debt and support the continued success of the business.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, communicating with people and making a real impact within a growing and ambitious firm.
The important work you will be doing:
Taking ownership of a portfolio of client accounts and monitoring outstanding balances
Proactively contacting clients by telephone, email and written correspondence to collect overdue payments
Building strong relationships with clients to encourage prompt payment and resolve issues quickly
Investigating invoice queries and working with colleagues across the business to find solutions
Allocating receipts and maintaining accurate customer account records
Supporting the management of aged debt and escalating risks where appropriate
Assisting with Direct Debit processes and reconciliations
Identifying potential credit risks and helping to minimise bad debt exposure
Keeping detailed records of collection activity and payment commitments
Liaising with Partners, Managers and fee earners regarding outstanding debt
Assisting with debtor reporting and month-end activities
Supporting legal recovery processes where required
Contributing ideas to improve processes and enhance the effectiveness of the credit control function
Delivering a professional and customer-focused approach to debt collection
The skills and experience you will bring:
Previous experience in Credit Control, Collections, Accounts Receivable or a similar finance role
Excellent communication skills and confidence speaking with clients about payments
A professional and personable approach with the ability to build strong working relationships
Strong problem-solving skills and the confidence to handle challenging conversations
Good numerical skills and a high level of attention to detail
The ability to investigate account queries and reconcile balances effectively
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
Experience using Microsoft Excel and finance systems
A proactive mindset and a willingness to take ownership of your workload
The ability to work independently while also contributing to a collaborative team environment
A desire to learn, develop and grow within a supportive business
Experience within a professional services environment would be beneficial, but is not essential
Why PKF Smith Cooper?
PKF Smith Cooper is the 13th largest accounting firm by UK fee income (Accountancy Age Top 50+50) and a member of PKF Global, a network of legally independent firms operating in 150 countries. This global reach enables us to share expertise, specialist knowledge, and resources while delivering a personal service to our clients.
Our team of award-winning accountants and business advisors plans to double the size of our company within the next five years. As a fast-growing firm and ICAEW and ACCA Approved Training Employer, we are passionate about developing homegrown talent. Through comprehensive training, development, and progression opportunities, we can help you achieve your full potential and build a successful career in professional services.
Why Derby?
At our headquarters, located in Pride Park, you’ll find our main office, featuring three floors of bright, open-plan workspaces, breakout areas, and modern meeting rooms. Fully equipped kitchens and dining spaces are perfect for spending time away from our desks, and you can even enjoy our private, on-site gym.
What's in it for you?
Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:
A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme - Hybrid working during your probation period is subject to the manager's discretion
Time to do what matters to you – 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long-serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving you the chance to make truly unforgettable memories
Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme
Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm
Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too
Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy etc) through Simplyhealth.
Ready to start your career with PKF Smith Cooper? We'd love to hear from you.
How to apply?
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to a member of the People team at [email protected] or by calling 01332 332021.
Please note that we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds; however, we are unable to accept applications from candidates who require a visa to work in the UK.
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.
Also, we ask that recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us unless we have directly reached out to you.
Skills Required
- Previous experience in credit control, collections, accounts receivable, or a similar finance role
- Excellent communication skills and confidence discussing payments with clients
- Professional and personable approach with strong relationship-building skills
- Strong problem-solving skills and confidence handling challenging conversations
- Good numerical skills and strong attention to detail
- Ability to investigate account queries and reconcile balances effectively
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities
- Experience using Microsoft Excel and finance systems
- Proactive mindset and ability to take ownership of workload
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Willingness to learn, develop, and grow within the business
- Experience in a professional services environment
What We Do
PKF Smith Cooper is an award-winning accountancy and business advisory firm based in the Midlands, UK, offering auditing, accounting, taxation, corporate finance, and business recovery services. They are a member of the PKF Global network, combining local expertise with international resources.
