Credit Control Leader Review

Responsible for leading a credit control function responsible for the collection activity of all intermediated business for a global insurance company. My direct reports are leaders of the individual credit control teams. The role is varied and involves a large element of planning, results projection, provisioning, coaching and mentoring, continuous improvement, resource management, internal and external stakeholder management and communication

The CIMA course that I am undertaking is providing me with additional knowledge in to the 'other side' of finance that is assisting me when having discussions around imbalances on general ledger accounts and also understanding the bigger picture, ie how what my function does has an impact on other areas of the wider business. From a personal perspective it has been good to get back in to a routine of learning and disciplining myself to attain this.

Sometimes the scope is daunting with so much to learn however the 'test your knowledge' elements of the study text really help to re-affirm knowledge. I enjoy learning & having new opportunities to grow and so it is great to be able to dive in to material that will help to develop me from a personal point of view and also to the benefit of my role & company.

Initially I feel that there was a lack of structure around the programme with a disjointed approach to the online material on BUD, the study text and the group/tutor sessions. I did find however that the provider was welcome of feedback and this has now been amended to provide a much more coherent experience for me as a learner & I look forward to progressing on this new basis

I have the full support of the business & my line manager and was encouraged to take up the opportunity to take this learning on. They are very accommodating with regards to time for off the job learning and I have a great support mechanism around me should I need to discuss anything regarding the apprenticeship

Tutors are available for any specific queries outside of planned sessions and the knowledge of said tutors is of the standard expected. Coaches are approachable and supportive however in my first year I am already on my 3rd coach which has meant restarting those relationships (but this is a part of any business). They have been open to feedback and have taken this onboard where applicable.

The qualification is expanding my field of vision which allows my thought process and decisions to consider more inputs than previously. It also allows me much greater insight in to other areas of finance allowing my discussions with such areas to be more informed this allowing me a much clearer perspective on impacts within my function.

We have a very active sports & social team who arrange numerous activities throughout the year such as quizes, Christmas parties etc. There is also a charity team who engage local businesses for volunteering days (Which every member of staff is permitted 2 per year). There are also in work events scheduled around special dates, such as easter egg hunts for a bit of fun

Yes

We are a large company but with a close small company togetherness that you don't see in all large organisations. The opportunities available within the company to learn and grow are immense, covering different disciplines and different geographical locations. Employees are a key success factor in the business and RSA treats it's employees with this in mind with a great benefits package. I would recommend anyone looking for a challenging and rewarding career to join our family.

Be curious, find out about the company (as we have a rich history going back to the great fire of London). Be passionate about you and what you can bring to the company, even if that is simply a willingness to jump in and learn. If you have an interview, have a couple of questions you want to ask to show your interest, it will really help to engage with the interviewers