Executive summary
The Senior Credit Controller is responsible for overseeing the firm’s credit control and debt collection function, ensuring effective debtor management and optimal cash flow. This position manages the collection of outstanding fees, handles high-value client accounts, and minimises bad debt exposure while maintaining strong client relationships.
Reporting directly to the Head of Finance to ensure appropriate segregation of duties, the role holder will work closely with the Revenue Controller, fee earners, practice management, and finance teams to ensure timely collection of professional fees. The Senior Credit Controller maintains the high standards of client service expected within the legal sector whilst driving cash collection performance. This is a senior position that requires both technical expertise. and the ability to influence stakeholders across the business.
Key responsibilities
Credit Control Management
- Manage a portfolio of high-value and complex client accounts, including corporate clients and significant litigation matters
- Monitor aged debt reports and proactively manage debtor days to maintain optimal working capital
- Conduct credit assessments for new clients and recommend appropriate credit limits and payment terms
- Implement and maintain effective credit control procedures and ensure compliance with firm policies
- Prepare regular reports on debtor positions, cash collection forecasts, and aged debt analysis for senior management
- Negotiate payment plans with clients experiencing financial difficulties while protecting the firm’s interests
Collections and Recovery
- Chase overdue payments through telephone calls, emails, and formal written correspondence
- Escalate problematic accounts appropriately, liaising with partners and fee earners as required
- Manage the process of referring accounts to external debt collection agencies or solicitors when necessary
- Handle queries relating to invoices and billing matters promptly and professionally
- Arrange and process direct debits, standing orders, and payment on account facilities
Relationship Management
- Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, demonstrating understanding of legal sector billing practices
- Work collaboratively with fee earners to resolve billing queries and disputes
- Liaise with partners and practice managers regarding client credit issues and payment concerns
- Maintain diplomatic communication with clients whilst ensuring firm collection targets are met
Collaboration with Revenue Controller
- Work closely with the Revenue Controller to ensure alignment between billing and collection activities
- Provide feedback on billing issues that impact collection (e.g., billing quality, timing, client billing requirements)
- Collaborate on strategies to reduce lock-up and improve working capital
- Share insights on client payment behaviours to inform billing approaches
- Participate in revenue cycle meetings and planning discussions
- Support the Revenue Controller with analysis of collection performance and trends
- Ensure seamless handover from billing to collection processes
Process Improvement and Compliance
- Identify opportunities to improve credit control processes and cash collection efficiency
- Ensure compliance with the SRA Accounts Rules and relevant financial regulations
- Maintain accurate records in the practice management system
- Support month-end and year-end reporting requirements
- Assist with client account reconciliations where credit control issues arise
Governance and Segregation of Duties
- Maintain appropriate independence from the billing function to ensure proper segregation of duties
- Escalate significant credit issues directly to Head of Finance
- Provide independent assessment of bad debt provisions and write-off recommendations
- Report control weaknesses or concerns regarding billing or revenue processes to line manager
Knowledge, skills and experience
Qualifications
- AAT Level 3 or equivalent credit management qualification (desirable)
- CICM (Chartered Institute of Credit Management) qualification or working towards (desirable)
- Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent as a minimum
Technical Knowledge
- Proven experience in credit control, ideally with at least 3-5 years in a senior or supervisory capacity
- Strong understanding of credit control principles, debt recovery processes, and relevant legislation
- Knowledge of the legal services sector and solicitors’ billing practices (highly desirable)
- Understanding of VAT, accounting principles, and financial reporting
- Familiarity with SRA Accounts Rules and legal sector compliance requirements (desirable)
- Knowledge of insolvency procedures and debt recovery options
IT Skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, VLOOKUP functions, and data analysis)
- Experience with legal practice management systems (e.g., Practice Evolve, Elite 3E, Aderant, Solicitors Online, or similar)
- Competent in Microsoft Word and Outlook
- Ability to generate reports and analyse data from financial systems
- Comfortable adapting to new software and technology
Organisational Skills
- To manage own time and that of others effectively
Personal attributes
Communication Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate confidently at all levels
- Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure payment whilst maintaining client relationships
- Ability to deliver difficult messages diplomatically and professionally
- Confident telephone manner when dealing with clients, solicitors, and third parties
- Capable of preparing clear, professional written correspondence including formal debt recovery letters
People Management
- Experience providing guidance and support to junior team members
- Ability to delegate effectively and monitor work quality
- Demonstrates leadership qualities and sets positive examples for the team
- Comfortable handling sensitive conversations with both clients and internal stakeholders
Interpersonal Skills
- Strong influencing skills, particularly when dealing with partners and senior fee earners
- Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective working relationships across departments
- Professional and courteous manner whilst maintaining assertiveness when required
- Tactful handling of disputes and complaints Staff Development
- Mentor and support junior credit control staff
- Provide guidance on complex queries and escalated matters
- Contribute to team development initiatives and training programmes
Personal Attributes
- Results-oriented: Driven to meet and exceed collection targets and debtor day objectives
- Resilient and persistent: Maintains determination in pursuing outstanding debts while remaining professional
- Detail-focused: Meticulous attention to detail with strong analytical skills
- Commercially aware: Understands the balance between cash collection and client relationship management
- Self-motivated: Able to work independently, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines without constant supervision
- Professional: Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates integrity in all dealings
- Adaptable: Flexible approach to changing priorities and able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Problem-solver: Proactive in identifying issues and developing practical solutions
- Calm under pressure: Maintains composure and professionalism in challenging situations
- Team player: Supportive colleague who contributes positively to team morale and objectives
Firm Wide Attributes
- To be smartly attired (adhere to company dress code)
- To be respected by clients and staff
- To display a positive and motivated outlook
- To ensure that the firm is not exposed to unnecessary risk
- Demonstrates commitment to the firm
- Maintains confidentiality
- Seeks feedback on performance and takes positive steps to improve
- Ability to use own initiative at all times
- To operate within the firm’s shared values at all times
- To promote the firm at any given opportunity
Location
Farringdon, London
Perm/FTC
Permanent
Salary
Market Rate
Working Pattern
Hybrid
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