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​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. ​

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COULD A HOLIDAY BE THE PASSPORT TO CAREER SUCCESS?

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Holidays are a great time to relax and unwind and leave all thoughts of work behind. But having some time away from the normal routine and the day to day pressures of your job can also provide an excellent opportunity to assess your next career move.

Make some notes. Be clear about what it is you want to achieve. Consider what you do and don’t like about your current role, analyse your own strengths and weaknesses and give some thought to your longer term career ambitions. Is there scope to develop within your existing position, opportunities for progression or is it time start thinking about moving on?

Audit your skills set. Review job descriptions for positions that would be of interest and see which particular skills are in demand. Use this information to refresh your CV and also identify any areas where you may be lacking and come up with a strategy to address these.

Overhaul your CV. It’s no good waiting until an opportunity comes along before dusting off your CV. Take some time now to bring it bang up-to-date; you are less likely to forget something important and will be able to act fast when an interesting role grabs your attention.

Do your research. Find out what is happening within organisations that you would be interested in working at; company websites, social media, industry magazines and news sites are a great source of information on a range of topics such as expansion plans, new business wins and client case studies.

Take a step back. Look at your current job with fresh eyes – you may find there are opportunities to explore within your existing company that would give your additional responsibilities, a new challenge or the chance to expand your skills set.

Brush up on social media. As well as updating your LinkedIn profile – it’s often the first port of call for any would-be employer - see if there are any relevant discussion groups relating to your industry that you could join which could help you make new contacts as well as keeping on top of the latest hot topics affecting your sector.

Catch up with contacts. Find out what opportunities you would be suitable for by having a chat with a recruitment expert – you won’t have to worry about your conversation being overheard by a nosy colleague!

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to find out more.