Credit Controller

The Credit Controller will be responsible for managing an allocated portfolio of customer accounts, ensuring overdue balances are actively chased and collected in accordance with agreed credit terms. The role requires strong customer communication, effective query management and accurate maintenance of the debtor ledger and Credit Hound. The Credit Controller will work closely with the wider Finance and Operations teams to resolve issues promptly and minimise aged and potentially bad debt.

The role will be hybrid with 2/3 days in the office.

• Proactively chase overdue customer balances in accordance with agreed credit terms.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with customers.
• Take ownership of an allocated portfolio of debtor accounts.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive notes within Credit Hound, ensuring all conversations, actions, payment promises and queries are recorded.
• Manage customer queries from initial receipt through to resolution, ensuring appropriate follow-up is undertaken.
• Escalate unresolved or problematic queries to the Credit Control Manager, Accounts Receivable or relevant Operations Manager where additional support is required.
• Provide customers with copy invoices, credit notes, statements and other supporting documentation as required.
• Use Credit Hound daily to track outstanding queries and ensure they are resolved within a timely manner.
• Review debtor receipts supplied by the Cash & Banking team daily, identify the appropriate customer accounts and advise where receipts should be posted.
• Allocate customer payments accurately using remittance advice or information obtained directly from the customer.
• Ensure the debtor ledger accurately reflects payments received and allocated.
• Regularly review and clear debtor receipts held within the suspense account.
• Analyse statements and payment information received from County Councils and other customers, completing any required payment splits and coding.
• Maintain accurate records of monies received and payments promised.
• Monitor the Credit Control inbox and ensure customer queries, requests for copy invoices and other correspondence are dealt with promptly.
• Monitor the remittance inbox, saving remittances in accordance with the agreed filing process.

• Previous Credit Control or Accounts Receivable experience.
• Confident and professional telephone and email communication skills.
• Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage and prioritise a portfolio of accounts.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to investigate and resolve account and payment queries.
• Confident working with Excel and finance/accounting systems.
• Experience of debt-management software such as Credit Hound would be advantageous.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a wider Finance team.
• Comfortable liaising with customers and internal stakeholders at different levels.

We re more than just a school caterer. We re on a mission to create a positive food culture and help more students enjoy healthier, better-quality food. Making a positive social impact is at the heart of everything we do. We re constantly learning, evolving, and improving every way, every day.

We one of England s fastest-growing school food providers, serving around one million students every day across more than 1,500 schools. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious meals that support student wellbeing and enjoyment.

Our brands include Innovate, Cucina, Chapter One (Independent Schools), Hutchison, and Dolce, reflecting our breadth of experience and reach across the school catering sector.

Guided by our values, integrity, bold, impactful, humble and community; you will help us shape a workplace and culture we can all be proud of.

Woking Based / Hybrid

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Staff discount scheme across 850+ retailers
• Pension scheme and other great company benefits
• Monthly incentives and recognition for top performers

IFG are committed to the safeguarding of children, and our employees share this commitment. Successful candidates are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check, which IFG will pay for.

We are a committed equal opportunities employer - if you require any assistance for the interview process, please detail within your application. All information is kept confidential and in compliance with GDPR requirements.