Credit Controller

BDP - Building Design Partnership; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design practice in Manchester is seeking a Credit Controller to streamline debt recovery and build credit control processes. The ideal candidate will possess over 5 years of experience in finance, strong communication skills, and advanced Excel capabilities. This role offers competitive compensation and growth opportunities within a global environment.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Employee profit share scheme

Private medical insurance

Long-term sickness insurance

Flexible holiday options

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a financial role, preferably in professional services.
• Proven ability to establish credit control processes from inception.
• Experience meeting tight deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage global debt collection for outstanding debts.
• Develop and implement credit control framework and policies.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to resolve payment issues.
• Produce regular reports on debt and collection performance.

Skills

Strong numerical skills

Communication skills

Advanced Excel skills

Interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

Job description

We are seeking a proactive and resilient Credit Controller to join our finance team at a leading international architecture practice. This newly created role will be instrumental in establishing and managing a robust credit control function across multiple entities and jurisdictions within the group.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in building credit control processes from the ground up, driving successful debt recovery across diverse international markets, and developing strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact on cash flow performance and contribute to the financial strength of a global design business.

The tasks below are core to the role. This list is not exhaustive, and duties may change according to project demands:

• Global Debt Collection
• Manage and coordinate the collection of outstanding debts across multiple international entities.
  • Ensure timely payments and minimise aged debt in line with agreed terms.
  • Make outbound calls to clients in accordance with a personal collection schedule and respond promptly to incoming queries.
  • Liaise with Principals, Directors and Managers to obtain information that facilitates debt recovery.
• Process Development
  • Design and implement a comprehensive credit control framework tailored to a global professional services environment.
  • Establish policies, workflows, escalation procedures, and reporting tools to support consistent, efficient operations.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with internal teams — including finance, project managers, and leadership — to resolve payment issues.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with external clients to ensure clear communication and professional resolution of overdue accounts.
• Reporting & Analysis
  • Produce regular and ad-hoc reports on aged debt, cash flow forecasts, and collection performance.
  • Analyse trends, identify risks, and recommend actions to improve recovery rates.
  • Deliver against cash collection and aged debt targets, in line with agreed objectives.
• Assess client creditworthiness, establish appropriate credit limits, and monitor financial exposure across the group.
• Work with finance systems to streamline invoicing, reminders, and escalation processes.
• Identify opportunities for automation and efficiency improvements in credit control workflows.
• WIP Management
  • Support the management and monitoring of work-in-progress (WIP) balances to ensure timely invoicing and effective cash conversion.

About us

BDP is a leading, global, multidisciplinary design practice united by a shared purpose: to design a world that’s built for good. For more than 60 years, we've been solving problems, creating innovative spaces, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. From the start, we've been pioneers in the world of design, and our legacy is built on the meaningful, people-centred places we've brought to life.

We are a diverse, international practice of architects, engineers, designers, and urbanists. We work closely with our clients, users, and communities to craft spaces for living, working, learning, and enjoying life across the globe. With studios spanning the UK, Ireland, Europe, Asia, and North America, our reach is as broad as our expertise. And since joining forces with Japan’s Nippon Koei in 2016, our ability to deliver integrated, impactful design has only grown stronger.

Our work is rooted in creativity, quality, and collaboration. We believe that great design removes barriers and opens new possibilities, all while meeting the demands of a constantly evolving world. Whether we’re designing homes, workplaces, or public spaces, we always put people at the heart of our thinking, ensuring that the environments we create are not just functional, but also inclusive, beautiful, and socially and environmentally responsible.

We’re proud of the places we've shaped and the lives we've touched, and we are committed to continuing our mission of designing a better, more connected world—one that leaves every place better than we found it.

About you

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role, ideally within a professional services or international business environment.
• Proven ability to establish and refine credit control processes from inception.
• Strong numerical, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with confidence to handle challenging conversations.
• Persistent, professional, and resilient approach to debt recovery.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with experience meeting tight deadlines.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities during key financial periods.

BDP offers

In return, BDP can offer you a wide range of learning opportunities to encourage personal and professional career development. From sponsorship to profession led CPD events, we also offer annual appraisals and a mentoring scheme that is supported by our internal online learning platform.

We are committed to being an employer of choice and offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package that includes an employee profit share scheme, tax efficient smart benefits, private medical insurance, life insurance, long term sickness insurance, interest free season ticket loans, health screening, opportunity to buy/swap holidays and enhanced maternity and paternity provision, plus many more.

We offer regular international, and studio based social, sporting and charitable events. Some recent events include month-end socials, a hiking club, wellbeing webinars and toolbox talks. Our variety of employee forums gives everyone the platform to have a voice and be heard which drives cultural changes and helps to create an engaged, inclusive organisation.

To apply please click on the ‘Apply’ button below. You will then need to complete the online application form and attach a CV and cover letter (<400 words) that outlines how your skills and experience fulfil the requirements of this position.