​IS SOMETHING HOLDING YOU BACK?

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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Starting to search for a new role is a big decision. For some, it may be very clear that the time has come to move on but for many there could be a number of different factors to take into account before polishing up your CV and searching for that dream next move.

Whilst it is always good to take time to think through your options before commencing your job search, if you keep putting it off, is there something holding you back and making you stay?

Have you got your feet well and truly under the table?

In your current role you know what you are doing and you are getting paid a good salary. But it may no longer offer you a challenge and your heart just isn’t quite in it anymore. You are comfortable – it may seem like the easy option to just carry on, but long term you could become increasingly dissatisfied with your position, your confidence will decrease and that dream role gets further and further out of reach.

What if you make the wrong decision?

This can be tricky, especially if you are not majorly unhappy but you know that to take the next step in your career a change will be necessary. Have a chat to a specialist recruiter who can help you to understand what you want to achieve in the longer term and map out the steps to achieve your goals.

Do you think you would be letting your boss or colleagues down?

Loyalty is important and is highly valued by employers and employees alike. You may have had a great opportunity before but if you can’t see where to go in your current company, it could be time to look elsewhere. It is difficult to leave behind team members – particularly if you have worked with them a long time and consider them friends. You may feel guilty that your departure could add to the workloads of others but remember, nobody is irreplaceable and you may open up new opportunities for others.

Could you be jumping out of the frying pan into the fire?

What if my next job is not any better than the one I’ve got? Look at what you don’t like about your current position and separate factors which relate to your job from the company and who you work with. This will help you determine if your reasons for change are mostly driven by a change of role or a change in organisation. A different company may be a better fit for you culturally or you may like to develop more in-depth knowledge within specialist areas.

Do you think you are too busy to look for a new job?

Searching for a new role can be time consuming and potentially difficult to find opportunities to attend interviews around your current employment. Research which recruitment experts specialise in your sectors – they will work hard on your behalf and be a useful conduit between yourself and potential employers.

What if you are rejected?

It’s only natural to not want to experience rejection but instead of letting that hold you back, research the role and prepare careful responses to demonstrate your knowledge and experience. Put yourself in a practice interview situation to hone your skills – and bear in mind that interviews are a two-way process so it’s a much about you finding out if the opportunity and company is right for you.

What’s the next step?

Arrange an informal appointment with an experienced recruitment consultant who will discuss with you the opportunities available and offer confidential career advice which can help you come to the right decision.

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 for expert advice on your next career move or recruitment needs.