Credit Controller

About Withersworldwide

A law firm focused on people and collaboration. For the past 125 years, Withers has supported some of the world's most remarkable people and organisations at defining moments in their lives. We are the only international law firm focused on successful individuals and private capital, working closely with founders, investors and family offices. We also advise governments, charities, global brands and start-ups of all shapes and sizes. Many of our clients are shaping the future and creating solutions to tackle many of the world's problems.  It makes for a fascinating and challenging practice. Our role is to get to know each individual client, find out where they want to be, and help them to get there – whether they are building a business, looking after their family, involved in a complex dispute or protecting their finances for the future. To meet their unique needs we are exceptionally collaborative, working together across teams and time zones. We are agile, focusing on strategy rather than rigid ideas and traditional hierarchy. It is a truly flexible working culture that puts people first. Join us to be part of a team that is always looking to the future. Where initiative, big ideas and bold moves are always encouraged. Where you can truly be yourself.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a personable and proactive Credit Controller to join our Finance Department. You will work in areas including Billing and Debt Management and will be responsible for chasing clients to ensure all bills are paid in a timely manner, with a focus on reducing Lockup.

The ideal candidate will be confident in liaising with Partners and fee earners concerning the action needed to recover overdue debts. You will have minimum 2 years' experience working in a professional services environment, ideally in a law firm, and have experience using 3E or similar system. You will inspire confidence and be an excellent communicator, being able to speak to people at all levels, while being organised and accurate with good attention to detail.

Areas of focus and responsibilities

• To undertake regular reviews of Debt balances
• To establish strong working relationships with all Matter Supervisors and Billing Executives, through regular monthly review meetings, to ensure that focus is maintained on timely billing and debt collection
• To operate the Firm’s credit control system (CreditForce), phone and chase clients, send bill reminder letters and statements to clients
• To advise fee earners on progress in chasing outstanding debts and to co-ordinate with them regarding action to be taken to recover seriously overdue debts
• To distribute a summary of overdue debts together with credit controller’s commentaries to the Revenue Control Manager .
• Responsible for dealing efficiently and effectively with queries as they arise
• Will be required to assist the billing team at peak billing times
• May be required to assist the European Financial Controller with ad-hoc tasks

This list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive.  It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job and, as such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Skills and attributes

• Good communicator with high levels of interpersonal skills
• A good telephone manner when talking to clients, both internally and externally
• Organised and accurate with good attention to detail
• Ability to remain calm under pressure when working in a fast paced environment
• Demonstrable team player, with flexible attitude and approach to work and work colleagues
• Sympathetic and understanding of clients yet with gravitas to agree terms with clients
• Computer literate, being competent with Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Results orientated and proactive approach to tasks
• Ability to use your initiative to pick up unfamiliar work quickly and be proactive in anticipating the needs of the team

Qualifications required and experience in sector

You are computer literate and will be educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) having achieved a grade 'C' or above in Maths and English.

Ideally you will have worked in a similar legal environment for a few years in a credit control environment with experience using 3E or a similar accounting package.

The Essentials

• 9.30am to 5.30pm but flexibility is a must, particularly at month end
• 12 week probation period
• 4 weeks’ notice period
• Flexible benefits package including pension, private medical, season ticket loan, subsidised gym memberships, lifestyle discount scheme, on site café plus more

Information for recruitment agencies

Withersworldwide endeavours to recruit and fill vacancies directly. However, when we do need to engage with agencies, Withersworldwide operates a preferred supplier list and will not be accepting unsolicited applications from non-PSL agencies for this role.

Equal opportunities employment statement

It is the policy of Withersworldwide to provide equal opportunities for all employees in relation to recruitment, training and promotion.  Decisions in these areas will be made only by reference to the requirements of the job and shall not be influenced by any consideration of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic and national

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