So, You Want to Be a Credit Manager? Here’s What You Need to KnowCredit Management isn’t just about chasing payments – it’s about protecting the lifeblood of a business: cashflow. To help future finance leaders get a real feel for what it’s like to step into a Credit Manager role (and thrive!), we asked current Credit Manager, Philip Holborough to share their honest thoughts in our Voices of Transactional Finance Leaders Series. In this article, Philip talks about everything from the challenges he’s faced along the way, to the skills and attitudes that really make a difference. He also gives a glimpse into how the role is changing, what impact technology like AI might have, and why having a “bulldog attitude” could actually be one of your biggest assets. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for the next step in your career, their advice is packed with real-world lessons you won’t want to miss.What do you think future leaders should prioritise or focus on most in order to successfully make themselves appointable as a Credit Manager?Debtor payment trends. Regardless of industry the key to successful Credit Managers is analysis of payment performance – this is often the biggest tell-tale sign of potential payment issues in the future.What are both the best and the most challenging aspects of being the Credit Manager of a fast-paced business? Blending Credit with Sales. Often the two don’t mix well – but open, frank and honest conversations where clarity of objectives is understood on both sides will help in a very challenging environment.What are your opinions about the relationship between a Credit Manager and the FC/CFO and CEO? What is critically important in building a successful partnership and providing the right support to the FC/CEO/CFO? A good CFO will recognise the importance of a Credit Manager – not always the case with CEO as they are often more strategic and commercial in their approach and less likely to be open to credit conversations over sales performance.What new key skills or attributes do you think the next generation of Credit Managers are going to need to develop? Tenacity. Both internally and externally. “The squeaky wheel gets the oil!” Don’t be afraid to offer opinions based on gut instinct and past experience. You will earn the respect of the business very quickly if you are able to nail your colours to the mast! Are new technologies like Artificial Intelligence having much of an impact on your role as Credit Manager yet? What impact do you think they will have over the next few years? AI frightens me – but I recognise the importance of some labour-saving aspects. A computer will never get someone to pay a bill – only a human voice can do that.Is it possible to maintain a reasonable work life balance at Credit Manager Level or do you have to accept that there will be personal sacrifices in order to progress to that level?Clear boundaries are very important. CM can be a stressful occupation – you must be able to separate these to ensure no burn out!Away from core credit knowledge, what personality traits have been critical to your success as a Credit Manager? Are these natural or have you worked on developing them?The willingness to not let go! Bull dog attitude – obviously with respect to the customer and the wider business. Don’t give up.What is the one single best piece of advice you were given early in your career that still holds true today? “Show me the money!” Cashflow is critical to any business large or small – the Credit manager is the custodian of this process.If there’s one thing Philip’s advice makes clear, it’s that being a great Credit Manager is about a lot more than just ticking boxes. It’s about sharp instincts, real tenacity, clear communication, and a relentless focus on cashflow – all while building strong relationships across the business. The role might change over time, especially as new technologies come into play, but the core principles stay the same: know your numbers, trust your gut, speak up when it matters, and never lose sight of the bigger picture. For anyone thinking about a career in Credit Management (or already on the way), these lessons are pure gold. Take them on board, keep learning, and remember – the best Credit Managers aren’t just protecting the cash, they’re helping to drive the whole business forward. Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don’t wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let’s chart your career path together. ×Job details Posted 22 May 2025 Salary £50,000 – £60,000 Bonus, Free Parking, Hybrid working, Healthcare LocationLeeds Job type Discipline ReferenceWPL41090ConsultantSenior ConsultantAssistant Financial ControllerJob descriptionTruly exiting business that has multiple arms that make up the group across a diverse industries are looking for an Assistant Financial Controller to join their business. They have seen remarkable growth, driven by strategic private equity investments. They are currently part of their next 10 year business plan where they will be looking to capitalise on market opportunities and achieve substantial revenue increases.To support this growth, they are looking to appoint an Assistant Financial Controller to work with our Financial Controller and Group Finance Director. This role will be crucial in driving profitability and adding commercial value through financial planning and analysis.Working directly with the Finance Director your role will blend both the financial and commercial elements of finance including:Preparation of monthly management accounts providing review of performance versus budget.Proactively support and liaise with group stakeholders during month end and seasonal activitiesCompletion of audit schedules liaising with and being a first point of contact for auditors.Monthly review of Balance sheet reconciliations and identify and analyse reconciling differences.Preparation of accruals and prepaymentsAssisting with the budgeting and forecasting. Ensure accurate monthly reconciliation of intergroup balances liaising with senior stake holders across all areas of the business.Work closely with the Finance Director and Managing Director to develop and improve commercial narrative and improve profitability.Support the senior management team in appraising and evaluating new business opportunities that align with ambitious growth plans.Provide training and support to junior team members developing your own experience in a management position.Maintain Fixed Asset Registers and post monthly depreciation for business unitsDevelopment of accounting processes and proceduresIdeally you will be able to demonstrate the below qualifications/experience:ACA qualified.Previous experience within audit/financial accounting within the profession OR Strong technical management accountant/financial accounting experience within fast paced dynamic organisations.Career focused and wanting to develop towards Financial Controller and beyond.This would be an exceptional role for any ACA qualified looking to move into industry or a CIMA/ACCA accountant looking for a commercially focused role that will fast track to Financial Controller.Sharp Consultancy is a finance and accountancy recruitment specialist assisting accounting and finance divisions of businesses in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire area. With over 30 years’ experience we pride ourselves on sourcing excellent finance professionals across all divisions of an accounts function.Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction. To apply please send your CV to the e-mail address stated, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within seven days, please note that on this occasion your application has not been successful.Sign up for job alertsIf you are a human, ignore this field Create alertYou agree to ourShare this jobSimilar JobsHuddersfieldPermanent£55,000 – £65,000 Private Healthcare / Bonus / Pension / Hybrid WorkingBradfordPermanent£65,000 – £75,000 Private Healthcare / Bonus / Pension / Hybrid WorkingWakefieldPermanent£65,000 – £75,000 25 Days Annual Leave / Pension / Staff EventsLeedsPermanent£50,000 – £55,000 Free parking, hybrid working, pensionHalifaxPermanent£55,000 – £65,000 Generous Annual Leave / Private Healthcare / Pension / Life Assurance / Employee Assistance / Hybrid Working
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