Trainee Credit Controller

Who are we?

Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.

What we're looking for?

The Trainee Credit Controller will support the Credit Control Manager and wider finance team in ensuring the timely collection of outstanding customer debts and the effective management of customer accounts.

Who is the position suitable for?

This is an excellent opportunity for graduates, school leavers or an individual looking to develop a career within finance and credit control. Full training will be provided, allowing the successful candidate to gain experience in customer service, debt collection, account administration, cash allocation and credit management within a busy and fast-paced business environment.

The role requires excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail and a professional approach when dealing with customers and colleagues.

Responsibilities for the job role:

Credit Control Support

• Assist with the collection of outstanding customer debts through telephone calls, emails and written correspondence.

• Contact customers regarding overdue invoices and payment commitments.

• Maintain accurate records of customer communications and payment arrangements.

• Support the Credit Control Manager with daily credit control activities.

• Help monitor customer account balances and aged debt reports.

• Escalate issues or potential bad debt concerns to the Credit Control Manager.

Customer Account Administration

• Set up and maintain customer account information.

• Ensure customer records are accurate and up to date.

• Assist with credit checks and account reviews where required.

• Support the management of customer account queries and disputes.

• Liaise with operational and commercial teams to resolve invoice issues promptly.

Cash Management

• Assist with cash allocation and reconciliation of customer payments.

• Support the investigation of unidentified receipts.

• Ensure customer accounts are updated accurately following receipt of payments.

Reporting & Administration

• Maintain filing systems and electronic records.

• Prepare routine reports and spreadsheets as required.

• Assist with month-end credit control activities.

• Monitor customer payment trends and identify areas requiring attention.

• Support the wider finance team with administrative tasks when required.

Customer Service

• Build positive working relationships with customers.

• Deliver a professional and courteous service at all times.

• Work collaboratively with internal departments to ensure customer issues are resolved quickly.

• Promote a positive customer experience whilst protecting the company's financial interests.

The Trainee Credit Controller will receive structured training in:

• Credit control processes and procedures.

• Debt collection techniques.

• Customer account management.

• Credit risk assessment.

• Cash allocation and reconciliation.

• Accounting software and finance systems.

• Financial reporting.

• Data protection and confidentiality.

• Communication and negotiation skills.

What can we offer you?

• Life Assurance Scheme

• Free on-site Parking

• Corporate gym membership discount

• Annual Salary Review

• Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)

• Progression opportunities

• 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support

What are our core values?

If these values align with yours you are in the right place!

Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.

Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.

Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.

Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.

Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.

Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.