Finance / Accounts
Credit Controller CV example (UK)
A UK credit controller CV: collecting overdue debt, reducing debtor days, sales ledger and account reconciliation, customer calls and the systems you use.
Example CV profile
Credit controller with [four] years' experience managing a [£2m, 400-account] B2B ledger for a [wholesale distributor]. Reduced debtor days from [52 to 38] through regular, polite chasing and clear payment plans. Confident with [Sage 200 / Xero] and Excel, and holds [CICM Level 3 in Credit Management].
Key skills to include (if true for you)
- Collecting overdue debt by phone, email and letter
- Reducing debtor days and aged debt
- Sales ledger management and cash allocation
- Account reconciliation and query resolution
- Credit checks and setting credit limits
- Payment plans and account stops
- Accounting software such as [Sage / Xero / SAP] and Excel (VLOOKUP, pivot tables)
- Negotiation and calm, professional customer calls
Example experience bullet points
- Managed a ledger of [n] accounts worth [£n], prioritising aged debt and high-value customers each week.
- Reduced debtor days from [n] to [n] in [12] months by introducing a structured chasing schedule.
- Cut debt over 90 days by [x]%, agreeing payment plans and escalating to account stops where needed.
- Resolved pricing and delivery queries with sales and operations teams, so invoices were paid without delay.
- Allocated cash daily and reconciled customer accounts, keeping unallocated cash below [£n].
- Ran credit checks on new customers and recommended credit limits to the finance manager.
- Prepared weekly aged debt reports and month-end bad debt provision figures.
Illustrative only. Replace with your own real roles, dates and results — never copy experience you don't have.
Education & training
- CICM Level 2 or Level 3 in Credit Management – [year] (if held)
- AAT Level 2 / Level 3 (if held) – [provider], [year]
- [A levels / degree] – [school / university], [year]
Keywords UK recruiters screen for
credit control · debtor days · aged debt · sales ledger · cash allocation · reconciliation · credit checks · payment plans · Sage · Xero · Excel · CICM
Tips for a credit controller CV
- Lead with numbers: ledger size, number of accounts, debtor days and aged debt reduced.
- Name the accounting software and ERP you use, plus your Excel level.
- Show the balance between firmness and customer care. Employers want cash in without losing customers.
- Say whether your ledger was B2B or B2C, and the sector, as adverts often specify.
- Mention CICM or AAT study if you're working towards it.
Credit controller pay depends on your experience, the size of the ledger, the sector and whether the role includes team leadership. Some roles add a bonus linked to collection targets. Check the advert. Salary checker (ONS data).
Official sources and further reading
What finance managers look for in a credit controller
Most adverts ask for evidence of:
- Results. Debtor days, aged debt and cash collected against target.
- Ledger experience. Size, number of accounts, B2B or B2C.
- Systems. Accounting software, ERP and Excel.
- Relationships. Resolving queries with customers and internal teams.
- Judgement. Credit checks, limits, payment plans and account stops.
Paste the advert into the free job ad keyword extractor to see which of these that employer asks for most.
Credit controller, accounts assistant or bookkeeper?
| Role | What the CV should lead with | CV example |
|---|---|---|
| Credit controller | Collections, debtor days, sales ledger | This page |
| Accounts assistant | Purchase and sales ledger, reconciliations, month end | Accounts assistant CV |
| Bookkeeper | Full books, VAT returns, small business clients | Bookkeeper CV |
Check it before you send it
Run your CV through the free CV checker for a suggested fix on each issue, or start with the free CV builder.
FAQs
What should a credit controller CV include?
Your ledger size and number of accounts, debtor days and aged debt results, the systems you use, how you handle queries and disputes, and any CICM or AAT qualifications.
What skills does a credit controller need?
Persistence, negotiation, a calm phone manner, attention to detail, and confidence with accounting software and Excel. Show each with an example and, where you can, a number.
How do I write a credit controller CV with no experience?
Highlight transferable experience such as customer service calls, accounts or admin work, handling complaints and hitting targets. Mention any AAT or CICM study.
Is CICM or AAT better for credit control?
CICM is specific to credit management; AAT covers wider accounting. Either helps. List the one you hold or are studying, with the level.
Applying in the US, Canada or Australia? Is a credit controller resume different?
In the US the role is often called collections specialist or accounts receivable specialist. Use the employer's title and call it a resume. Describe UK qualifications briefly.
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- Accounts Assistant CV example
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