Job Description

Main information

Experience level

Advanced

Term type

Permanent

Team

Finance

Location

Northampton / Birmingham

The firm

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world's most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.


We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

The role

The Credit Manager undertakes a key role in leading the firm's credit control function, ensuring timely collection of outstanding debts, minimising financial risk, and supporting strong client relationships. This role is pivotal in maintaining the financial health of the firm and aligning credit strategies with broader business objectives as well as optimising continuous and process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, manage and develop the credit control team, fostering a high-performance culture. Recommend and implement effective credit control policies and procedures in line with firm standards and legal regulations. Oversee the assessment of client creditworthiness and set appropriate credit limits. Monitor aged debt and bad debt provision, ensuring proactive resolution of overdue accounts. Oversee production of monthly and quarterly cash collection targets. Calculate relevant KPIs for monthly reporting purposes. Collaborate with Partners, Legal Advisers, and Finance colleagues to resolve credit issues and maintain financial accuracy. Liaise with external debt recovery agencies when necessary and advise on recovery strategies. Provide regular reporting to the CFO on cash collection performance, risks, and recovery progress. Support continuous improvement initiatives across the Finance function, including system enhancements and process optimisation.

Required Skills and Experience

Proven experience in credit management within a professional services or law firm environment. Strong understanding of credit control systems (e.g. SAP). Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels. Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving. Experience in leading and developing teams. High attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Familiarity with relevant regulatory compliance. Experience in managing budgets and supplier contracts. Professional qualification in credit management or finance (e.g. CICM) is desirable. Experience working with legal clients and understanding of law firm billing cycles would be desirable or similar professional services. Ability to balance commercial awareness with risk mitigation.

Shoosmiths is the law firm clients choose for excellent service, incisive thinking and above all for our ability to focus on what matters. From offices across the UK and Brussels, we support some of the world's most exciting and ambitious businesses; amazing clients making an impact. We empower our people to be their authentic selves and deliver together in supportive teams committed to excellence and innovation. The first top 50 law firm to achieve 'Platinum Standard' Investors in People, our values and culture are not just words on our website but are the heartbeat of the firm.


We have an outstanding benefits package to complement our competitive remuneration system. In addition to the competitive salaries, great working environment and high-quality work, we believe that all staff should be rewarded for their commitment to the continued success of the firm through a comprehensive and flexible range of benefits.

Equal opportunities

Our approach to our people is underpinned by our approach to diversity, inclusion and well-being. Our ambition is to build a diverse and ambitious workforce that reflects all backgrounds and talents, and a workplace that is supportive and inclusive, recognises and nurtures talent, and has a strong sense of community between colleagues.


This means that everyone who either applies to or works for the firm is treated equally, whatever their gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or religious beliefs.


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