AS WE LAUNCH THE SHARP CONSULTANCY 2019/2020

So, You Want to Be a Credit Manager? Here's What You Need to Know

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.

Read article

Brexit. It’s never far from people’s thoughts. At the time of writing, we are still awaiting what the final outcome will be, yet the political uncertainty and potential turmoil being foreseen has done little to dampen demand with early indications showing that finance and accountancy remains incredibly buoyant across the region.

The economy continues to improve – we have seen six consecutive years of growth – and with growing companies driving demand for recruitment, the end of 2018 saw employment levels in the UK approach full capacity.

The previous 12 months saw sustained demand from across all industry sectors; even those experiencing reported difficulties– such as retail – pressed forward with recruitment with the changing needs of businesses driving the demand just as much as growth.

The quest for part qualifieds to finance controllers in particular remains high with a notable increase in six figure plus senior level appointments also being witnessed. However, with demand somewhat outstripping supply across a number of roles we have seen significant changes to the way in which organisations are approaching their ongoing recruitment needs.

The dynamics of the current market have led to an increasing number of businesses engaging with recruitment specialists on a retained basis and, with it very much being a seller’s market, companies are making significant moves to becoming more flexible. With increasing emphasis upon part-time and family-friendly working patterns we are seeing organisations seizing every opportunity available to them to make their opportunities most attractive to candidates.

With good quality candidates seemingly having their pick of the available opportunities, it is those companies who are fleet of foot that will triumph in the current market conditions. With the recruitment process for candidates below qualified level typically taking between two to four weeks maximum and senior level appointments typically being filled in less than eight weeks, companies which become embroiled in procedure and red tape are regularly finding themselves behind the curve.

As the pressure on supply continues, the need to retain top talent intensifies. A higher proportion of buy back and counter offer attempts are being made with high pay rises and increased benefits being offered, albeit with often quite strict demands and tie-in conditions in return to secure loyalty. As a result we are seeing fairly sizeable jumps forward in salary levels; typically 5-10% but increases of 10 – 15/20% are no longer unusual.

The volume of demand and pace of the current market has seen businesses reverse the trend of recent years to take their recruitment in-house; many are recognising that for key business change roles in particular, the need for specialist expertise and support is critical to successfully securing appointments.

This shift in the relationship between client and supplier has seen more emphasis being placed upon our role as a trusted advisor and this is set to continue over the coming year as, whatever the outcome, Britain finds itself entering a new era.

The above editorial is an extract from the Sharp Consultancy 2019/2020 Salary Survey; a full copy can be downloaded here.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond CONTACT UStoday to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.

AS WE LAUNCH THE SHARP CONSULTANCY 2019/2020 SALARY SURVEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LEE SWEENEY REFLECTS ON THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS AND SHARES HIS VIEWS ON WHAT LIES AHEAD OVER THE COMING YEAR.

Latest News & Insights.