Job Title: Credit Controller

Location: Thurrock, Essex

Reports to: Credit Control Lead - EMEA

Job Summary:We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Credit Controller to join a dynamic team, a leading freight and logistics company based in Thurrock, Essex. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing the credit control function, ensuring timely collection of outstanding payments, minimising bad debt, and maintaining positive relationships with clients. This role requires someone with excellent communication skills, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and a strong understanding of credit management within the logistics industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Credit Control Management:
- Monitor and manage overdue accounts, ensuring timely collection of outstanding invoices.
- Proactively chase overdue payments via phone, email, and written correspondence.
- Assess and review credit risk for customers, ensuring credit limits are adhered to.
Invoice Management:
- Ensure all invoices are accurately processed and dispatched to clients on time.
- Investigate and resolve invoice discrepancies, working closely with operations and sales teams.
Account Reconciliation:
- Perform regular reconciliations of customer accounts, ensuring all payments are allocated correctly.
- Maintain accurate records of all payments, adjustments, and credit notes.
Customer Relationship Management:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, ensuring a professional and supportive approach to collections.
- Work closely with the sales and customer service teams to address and resolve customer queries or disputes.
Reporting & Analysis:
- Produce regular aged debt reports and provide updates to senior management on the status of outstanding accounts.
- Provide insight into cash flow forecasts and assist in reducing Days Sales Outstanding (DSO).
Dispute Resolution:
- Investigate and resolve payment issues, ensuring disputes are handled efficiently and fairly.
- Negotiate payment plans for clients where necessary.
Credit Risk Assessment:
- Conduct credit checks and set appropriate credit limits for new and existing clients.
- Monitor clients' financial stability and escalate any risks to management.
Bad Debt Management:
- Work with senior management to manage bad debt provisions and write-offs.
- Take appropriate action to recover outstanding debts, including liaising with legal teams when required.

Requirements:

Proven experience as a Credit Controller, ideally within the freight, logistics, or transport industry.
Strong understanding of credit control processes, including debt recovery and risk management.
Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Proficient in using accounting software (e.g., Sage, SAP, or similar).
Strong Excel skills, with the ability to produce reports and analyze data.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Attention to detail and accuracy in all tasks.
Knowledge of freight industry billing processes and payment terms is highly desirable.

Desirable Qualifications:

A-Level or equivalent in Finance, Accounting, or related fields.

Benefits:

Competitive salary
Hybrid working
Opportunity for career growth and development in a fast-paced industry.