ASK THE EXPERT – NATIONAL PAYROLL WEEK

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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It’s National Payroll Week (Mon 6 – Fri 10 Sep), and throughout the week our team of specialist consultants have been sharing their in-depth knowledge and expertise to employers and candidates working in the sector on recruitment and career-related matters.

Sharp Consultancy has been at the forefront of transactional financial recruitment across the North for more than 25 years. Our highly experienced specialist team has an extensive network of talented candidates for roles across the full spectrum of levels within accounts payable, credit control, payroll and purchase ledger.

Today, Matt Civil, Business Manager examines the wider skills that hiring managers are looking for from the modern payroll professional.

Historically, it would be fair to say that the focus for payrollers has been about getting people paid accurately and timely. However, we are now seeing that hiring managers are placing an increasing amount of emphasis upon the value-added skills that a payroll professional can bring such as analytical skills for management information and reporting which require a higher level of Microsoft Excel skills than would have previously been expected from those working in the role.

Such a skill set can save time and money for an organisation; candidates that possess analytical skills will be able to look in to how efficient the payroll is run, highlighting errors and queries which may be avoidable in future payroll runs. This information can help organisation be better informed when it comes to making business decisions; for example, manufacturing and product-based firms can more accurately forecast costs to determine if certain course of action – including price rises, discounts, discontinue ranges – are viable and as a management tool, smart decisions, such as weighing up the value of temporary workers versus overtime costs for full time permanent employees, can be made.

Companies that have a real focus upon training, as well as investment in technology and system improvements, will not only be in a much stronger position to attract the highest calibre candidates, they will also find that by offering study support – and continuing with a programme of ongoing training opportunities - they will improve retention rates whilst their staff are developing sought-after skills.

There have been many changes to regulations and legislation in recent years, including one of the most recent – the Government furlough scheme – which will be coming to an end this month and moving forward, payroll candidates and professionals will need to demonstrate their ability to keep on top of and adapt to these changes. It is likely that more changes will be forthcoming which will lead to higher demand for the most highly skilled candidates; payrolls salaries have seen a sharp increase in the last 3 – 4 years with more emphasis placed on candidates that can run a payroll from end-to-end.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent transactional finance professionals across the full spectrum of roles including accounts payable, credit control, payroll and purchase ledgers. 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.