Credit Controller / Accounts Assistant

Academia Ltd t/a Smartdesc; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic technology company in Hemel Hempstead is seeking a Credit Controller / Accounts Assistant. This full-time role offers hybrid working and involves managing customer accounts, ensuring timely payments, and supporting the wider finance team. Ideal candidates will have experience in credit control, strong communication skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Join a rapidly expanding company with a commitment to innovation and team collaboration.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a credit controller in a B2B environment is preferred.
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines is essential.
• Capability of working both in a team and individually.

Responsibilities

• Manage customer accounts and oversee general administrative duties in the credit control team.
• Keep a close watch on debtor account balances and process new account applications.
• Deal with customer queries and ensure timely resolution of issues.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong numeracy skills

Detail-oriented

Problem-solving skills

Capability to manage deadlines

Tools

Microsoft Office

Epicor

Xero

Job description

Credit Controller / Accounts Assistant
Based: Hemel Hempstead, with hybrid working
Type: Full-time, 12-month contract
Eligibility: You must be eligible to work in the UK

Academia is seeking a Credit Controller / Accounts Assistant to join our dedicated and passionate Finance team. This is a full-time position providing maternity cover for a twelve-month period, with the potential to become a permanent role at the end of that period.

The role will be based at our headquarters in Hemel Hempstead. The role will primarily be working in a Credit Control team of 3 but will provide support to a wider Finance team of 11 on an as-needed basis. The finance team are primarily based in the UK.

This is a hybrid role, with up to 2 days a week working from home (and always at management discretion).

The ideal candidate will have previous experience working as a credit controller in a B2B environment.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who enjoys working in a dynamic business operating and is analytical and able to resolve problems. They will be liaising with internal teams and external customers to ensure invoices are paid on time and the finance team as a whole functions effectively.

This is a high-volume, fast-paced environment and the successful applicant will be expected to hit the ground running.

You will be responsible for:

Credit Controller

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing customer accounts and undertaking general administrative duties in the credit control team. They will ensure that customers have sufficient credit allocated in the system and that existing customers have settled monthly accounts in a timely manner. You will be heavily involved in customer interaction, so need excellent communication skills, good levels of diplomacy and the ability to deal with difficult situations.

Some of the Credit Controller duties and responsibilities include:

• Keeping a close watch on debtor account balances and ensuring our Debtor Sales Outstanding (DSO) metric is always within acceptable limits
• Processing new account applications, including conducting credit checks and allocating appropriate credit limits to accounts
• Reconciling accounts
• Posting cash to accounts on a daily basis
• Sending reminder letters and statements on a weekly basis
• Dealing with queries and resolving issues as they arise in a timely manner.
• Dealing with finance related tickets, answering calls and taking customer payments as well as other credit control-related administrative duties.

Accounts Assistant

As a member of the wider finance team, you may be asked to help in other areas of finance from time to time. This could include administrative tasks, helping with our Accounts Payable function, supporting senior finance managers or ad-hoc duties.

Key Skills & Experience:

• A keen eye for detail
• Excellent communicator
• Strong numeracy skills
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Strong work ethic and ability to manage multiple and conflicting deadlines
• Capability of working in a team as well as individually
• Strong grasp of Microsoft Office and the ability to learn how to use Academia’s various finance systems (including Epicor and Xero)
• Good problem-solving skills

Why Academia?

Academia is an innovative and rapidly expanding technology company on a mission to transform IT services for large public and private sector customers. We’re not just a supplier; we’re a trusted partner for thousands of clients.

Our ethos is simple, if we can provide great technology and make it work, we will empower our customers to optimise their investment in technology. Your IT success is our business.

Building a strong reputation over 20 years as a top-tier provider of IT solutions and services, the company has sustained double-digit growth, with revenues exceeding £150 million in FY24. We have picked up prestigious industry awards along the way, including the highly prized CRN reseller of the year award.

Backed by Strive Capital, which has provided strong financial and strategic support since 2020, Academia is well-equipped to continue expanding into new areas. Our dedicated lifecycle division, launched to meet the growing demand for sustainable IT solutions, reinforces our commitment to reducing environmental impact while supporting the full lifecycle of our technology.

Our culture is built on teamwork, innovation, integrity, ambition, and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service. With ambitious growth plans and a supportive, collaborative environment, Academia is a fantastic place for professionals eager to make an impact. Join us and become part of one of the UK’s most exciting tech success stories.