Credit Controller
Richard Nelson LLP
Location: Nottingham – Office Based
Department: Legal Accounts Team
Reports to: (Cashiering Team Supervisor)
About Richard Nelson LLP
Richard Nelson LLP is an Award-Winning National Firm of Solicitors and Consultants providing specialist legal services to professionals, businesses and individuals throughout England and Wales. Established in 2003 by Senior Partner Richard Nelson, a leading professional disciplinary Lawyer, we have grown to include some of the country’s most respected Lawyers and Consultants among our Team. We are passionate about achieving the best possible outcome for every client, combining robust legal representation with approachability and straightforward honest advice. Our core values of Integrity, Expertise, Passion, Approachability, Straightforwardness and Tenacity guide everything we do.
About the Role:
We are looking for an experienced and highly organised Credit Controller to join our busy AccountsTeam atRichard Nelson LLP. The Credit Controller will be responsible for overseeing the Firm’s credit control function, ensuring timely collection of fees, reducing aged debt, and maintaining strong, professional relationships with clients and internal legal teams. This role requires excellent communication skills, accuracy, discretion, and a solid understanding of legal billing processes and Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) requirements.
Working closely with our Cashiering Team Supervisor, Office Manager and wider legal departments. This is a hands-on, detail-focused position suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced legal environment, enjoys problem-solving, and takes pride in maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance. As part of a supportive and collaborative team, you will contribute to the effective financial management of the Firm while helping to ensure excellent service for both internal colleagues and our clients.
Key responsibilities and accountabilities:
Debt Management & Collections
*Proactively manage and reduce aged debt across allocated practice areas.
*Monitor client accounts, identify overdue invoices, and take appropriate action to secure payments.
*Make outbound calls/emails to clients to chase outstanding balances in a professional and courteous manner.
*Maintain accurate notes of collection activities within the Firm’s case management (ActionStep) and related finance systems.
*Liaise with Partners, Solicitors, and departmental Heads to discuss debtor issues and agree recovery actions.
*Implement and follow the Firm’s credit control escalation procedures.
Billing & Financial Administration
*Work closely with the billing team to ensure invoices are raised accurately, promptly, and in line with client agreements or costs schedules.
*Review draft bills for accuracy, including checking narrative, WIP, disbursements, and VAT compliance.
*Support Fee-earners with billing queries and ensure timely resolution.
*Assist with monthly billing runs and financial reporting processes where required.
Client Account Management
*Build strong working relationships with key clients and deliver an excellent level of customer service.
*Respond promptly to client queries regarding invoices, payments, and balances.
*Investigate and resolve discrepancies or disputes to avoid delays in payment.
*Assess client payment patterns and flag potential credit risks to the Finance Manager or Partners.
Reporting & Analysis
*Prepare weekly and monthly aged debt reports for Partners and management.
*Highlight priority debts, risks, and cashflow concerns, providing commentary and recommended actions.
*Track collection performance against monthly and quarterly targets.
*Provide financial data to assist with budgeting, forecasting, and audit requirements.
Compliance & Governance
*Ensure credit control activities comply with SRA Accounts Rules, GDPR, and the Firm’s internal financial procedures.
*Uphold confidentiality and maintain a high standard of accuracy in financial records.
*Identify and recommend improvements to credit control processes to enhance efficiency and compliance.
*Support year-end processes, audits, and regulatory reporting as needed.
Payment Processing & Account Reconciliation
*Monitor receipts daily and allocate payments to client accounts accurately.
*Work with the wider accounts team to resolve unknown or misallocated payments.
*Assist in reconciling client accounts to ensure records are up-to-date and accurate.
Internal Collaboration
Communicate regularly with Partners, fee-earners, and administrative teams regarding client balances and credit control strategies