Finance & accounting

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in:

• business
• finance
• accounting
• business and management

Some larger companies offer graduate training schemes, which prepare you for a career in credit control and management.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could do a college course which will give you some of the skills you’ll need to apply for a trainee credit controller position.

Courses include:

• bookkeeping and accounting
• computerised accounting for business
• business and finance
• a T Level in Finance

You can speak to your college to find the right level course for you. Some colleges also offer distance learning courses.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply for an apprenticeship such as:

• Credit Controller and Collector Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Credit Controller and Debt Collection Specialist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete.

If you want to train for a manger role, you could take an Account and Finance Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship over 3 years.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• higher and degree apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-and-degree-apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as a finance assistant in a credit control department. You could then train on the job to become a credit controller or deputy manager.

The Chartered Institute of Credit Management offers courses at different levels tailored to your experience.

Direct application

You can apply directly to be a credit controller, as many companies will train you on the job. The qualifications and experience you'll need will vary.

Most employers will expect you to have:

• 3 to 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including maths
• the ability to use spreadsheets and accounting packages
• experience of office administration or customer service work

You might be able to move into credit control if you have experience in:

• bookkeeping
• accounts
• debt collecting

More information

You can find out more about careers in credit control and management from the Chartered Institute of Credit Management.

More information

View all vacancies in this region

With experience and professional qualifications, you could:become a credit manager; work with an accountancy firm; become a self-employed consultant; advise businesses on credit systems