Credit Control / Accounts Receivable Lead Jobs

A Credit Control / Accounts Receivable Lead is a pivotal senior finance role responsible for safeguarding a company's cash flow and managing its customer debt portfolio. Professionals in these jobs act as the guardians of working capital, ensuring that revenue earned translates into cash received efficiently and on time. This leadership position combines deep technical accounting knowledge with strong interpersonal and managerial skills, overseeing the entire order-to-cash cycle. Individuals searching for Credit Control / Accounts Receivable Lead jobs are typically experienced finance specialists ready to take strategic ownership of the receivables ledger, mentor a team, and implement robust financial controls. The core mission of a Credit Control / Accounts Receivable Lead is to minimize bad debt and optimize cash inflow. Common responsibilities include developing and enforcing the company's credit policy, setting customer credit limits, and managing the collections process for overdue accounts. They lead a team of credit controllers or analysts, setting targets, providing training, and ensuring a professional and consistent approach to customer interactions. A significant part of the role involves reconciling complex customer accounts, resolving payment discrepancies, and ensuring all cash receipts are accurately allocated. Furthermore, they perform detailed aged debt analysis, report on key metrics like Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) to senior management, and liaise closely with both the sales and customer service departments to resolve disputes and maintain positive client relationships while protecting the company's interests. Typical skills and requirements for these jobs are both technical and behavioral. Employers generally seek candidates with a formal accounting qualification (such as AAT, ACCA, or CIMA foundations) or substantial equivalent experience. Proficiency in advanced Excel for data analysis and reporting is essential, along with experience using accounting software like Sage, SAP, or Oracle. A keen eye for detail and a forensic approach to problem-solving are crucial for investigating account discrepancies. The role demands exceptional communication and negotiation skills to interact effectively with customers and internal stakeholders. Strong leadership, the ability to mentor a team, and a process-improvement mindset to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the accounts receivable function are hallmarks of a successful candidate. For those with a blend of analytical rigor and leadership aptitude, Credit Control / Accounts Receivable Lead jobs offer a career path that is central to a company's financial health and operational stability.