Chuttersnap 9u4yu Ne S5 Y4 Unsplash

​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
Transactional Finance
Back to Disciplines

Expert Transactional Finance Recruitment Tailored to You

At Sharp Consultancy, we have been at the forefront of transactional financial recruitment across the North for more than 30 years. Our deep-rooted expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence have established us as the premier choice for job seekers and employers alike in the realms of credit control, purchase ledger/sales ledger, payroll, and accounts assistant roles.

Why Choose Sharp Consultancy?

Our seasoned consultants recruit across the full spectrum of levels within transactional finance, offering unparalleled insights and connections within the industry. Here’s why Sharp Consultancy stands out:

  • Unmatched Experience: Over three decades of specialised focus in transactional finance recruitment.

  • Dedicated Expertise: Our team is solely dedicated to transactional finance, ensuring a profound understanding of industry-specific needs and trends.

  • Personalised Approach: We are committed to finding the right role for you, not just any role. Your career aspirations and professional fit are our top priorities.

  • Comprehensive Coverage: We recruit for a variety of positions, including credit control, purchase ledger/sales ledger, payroll, and accounts assistants.

Areas of Specialisation

  • Credit Control: Ensuring effective management of company receivables, our roles range from entry-level to senior positions, tailored to match your skills and career goals.

  • Purchase Ledger/Sales Ledger: Whether you are starting out or seeking progression, we have roles that cover the full spectrum of purchase and sales ledger responsibilities.

  • Payroll: From payroll clerks to managerial positions, our recruitment services cater to the nuanced needs of payroll professionals.

  • Accounts Assistants: We offer a variety of roles designed to support and advance the careers of accounts assistants, ensuring robust support for the complete finance function.

The Benefits of Partnering with Us

  • Specialised Team: Our experienced team specialises solely in transactional finance recruitment, providing focused and expert guidance.

  • Tailored Matches: We understand that a strong transactional finance team is key to the success of a business's complete finance function. Hence, we strive to find roles that align perfectly with your qualifications and career ambitions.

  • Long-standing Relationships: Our long-standing relationships with businesses across the North mean that we are better suited than any other recruiter in the region to place you in roles that are aligned with your career goals.

Join Our Network

Ready to take the next step in your finance career? Submit your CV today to express your interest. Our commitment to excellence ensures you’ll receive the support and opportunities needed to thrive in your Transactional Finance career.

Submit CV

  • Quote

    Liam Connolly has been amazing throughout my experience of finding a job. From the initial interview to finally securing my job. He has helped ease my anxiety in finding a new job and attending the interview.

    Maadiyah
    Maadiyah
  • Quote

    ​It has to be a 10. I’ve dealt with a lot of agencies since been made redundant and a lot seem content to get you signed up and offer nothing after that. Sharp Consultancy and Andy have not been like that, Andy was very thorough when I first signed up, took time to listen to what I’d done and what I wanted to do. Sharp Consultancy is the best agency I have dealt with.

    Matthew
    Matthew
  • Quote

    I would recommend Sharp to colleagues. My previous company was very difficult to work around at times. Liam would call late and early, organise meeting and interviews around this particularly difficult schedule; and throughout, kept a balance of professionalism and friendliness which made the entire process feel easy and manageable. I couldn’t recommend Sharp Consultancy and in particular Liam Connolly highly enough.

    Oliver
    Oliver
  • Quote

    ​Andy has found the perfect job for me, and has also been a great source of advice and support through my interviewing process. I genuinely can’t thank Andy enough!

    Sarah
    Sarah
  • Quote

    I couldn't fault the recruiting service; the whole team was lovely since the first day we had a meeting. Liam then came to me with this opportunity and I managed to secure two jobs and start 1 in the space of less than 2 weeks. I also had other job offers and I spoke to Liam about it and we went thought the advantages and disadvantages of both jobs without him being biased and I’m so happy with the decision I made after that.

    Sophie
    Sophie
  • Quote

    ​Tom has gone above and beyond to make sure the perfect candidate was found for our role. The service Sharp has provided has been exceptional, with communication and professionalism at their highest. I would 100%recommend Sharp consultancy; they will certainly be the first recruiter I contact if needed in the future.

    Samantha Shirley - Assistant Finance Manager
    Samantha Shirley - Assistant Finance Manager

Speak with a specialist today.