Credit Controller Interview Questions

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Whether you are preparing to interview a candidate or applying for a job, review our list of top Credit Controller interview questions and answers.

How do you see the credit control industry developing in the coming years? As a credit controller, what new developments might you implement for us? See answer
How would you rate your teamwork skills as a credit controller? Are you comfortable consulting with other personnel to approve or deny credit applications? See answer
Our company has to deal with difficult clients on a regular basis. As a credit controller, what strategies do you use to negotiate successfully during difficult situations?
How do you feel about rejecting difficult clients? How do you deal with the pressure you have to face as a credit controller to ensure success?
Can you tell me about any prior experience you have as a credit controller? What sorts of duties are you familiar with?
How would you deal with a client or company that refuses to pay outright? What strategies have you developed to resolve the situation?
What were the criteria for evaluating credit candidates at your previous job?
How would you describe your communication skills as a credit controller? What examples can you provide from past work experiences?
Have you ever approved a candidate who turned out to misuse their credit privileges despite having a previously good credit score? If so, how did you address the situation?
Why do you want to work for our company as a credit controller rather than one of our competitors?
Why should we hire you over another credit controller candidate? What skills and qualifications make you stand out from the rest of our applicants?
What’s your process for monitoring debt reductions for clients who missed payments?
How would you define the relationship between credit controllers and the sales team within a credit agency?
What’s the most complex account you’ve had to reconcile as a credit controller?
How do you notify debtors of missed payments in a professional way? What examples can you provide?

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6 Credit Controller Interview Questions and Answers

Q:

Our company has to deal with difficult clients on a regular basis. As credit controller, what strategies do you use to negotiate successfully during difficult situations?

A:

There may be situations in your company where clients dispute payment amount for goods or services which you have provided. The credit controller is ultimately responsible for dealing with these situations in a manner that is courteous, professional and satisfactory to the company. Answers to this question can give you some insight into the professional strategies and negotiating tactics the candidate uses.

What to look for in an answer:

Outline of strategies for dealing with disagreeable clients
Concrete negotiation and interpersonal skills
Dedication to ensuring both client and company are happy

Example:

“I would start by looking at the numbers to make sure there isn’t a simple discrepancy and work with the client to continue a professional relationship.”

Q:

How do you feel about rejecting difficult customers? What do you deal with the pressure a credit controller has to face from this kind of situation and ensure success?

A:

Answers to this question can tell you a bit more about the personal coping skills of individual credit controllers you are looking to hire. Many people in this line of work develop strategies for dealing with difficult people or situations because they must do so often. Credit controllers might also need to reject alternate offers from existing clients in a way that maintains the relationship.

What to look for in an answer:

Professional negotiating tactics
Ability to refuse an offer while giving alternatives
Coping skills that help hires deal with this regularly

Example:

“I’ll never agree to a deal that is not in the best interests of this company. I can work with clients on alternative solutions.”

Q:

How do you see the credit control industry developing in the coming years? As a credit controller, what new developments might you implement for us?

A:

This question gives you a chance to test the hire’s personal insights into the business as a whole. They should have some background knowledge of how credit control has developed already and be able to use that as one way to envision its future. They may have some ideas about new systems or technologies on the rise that could benefit your company.

What to look for in an answer:

Working knowledge of the recent history of credit control
Possible insights for the industry’s future
Ideas for new credit software

Example:

“Based on what has already occurred here, this is what I think might happen. I can show you new technology we might use.”

Q:

Tell me a bit about any prior experience you have in the role of a credit controller. What sorts of duties have you performed already?

A:

You can use this question to gauge the working knowledge of your prospective credit controller. They should be able to tell you a bit about where they were working before and how that previous experience might relate to the credit control industry as a whole. Look for specific examples of work duties that speak to their professional work, training and overall knowledge.

What to look for in an answer:

Prior work history within the credit control field
Examples of specific tasks the candidate performed
How they adapted their training on personal levels

Example:

“I worked at several places that dealt with credit control. I was responsible for keeping track of customer financial data and ensuring prompt payments.”

Q:

How would you deal with a customer or company that refuses to pay outright? What strategies have you developed to deal with this situation reasonably?

A:

Some customers can be difficult, but there are others that may simply refuse to pay your company. In these cases, a credit controller with the right skills can be an invaluable asset. Answers to this question tell you what professional strategies your credit controller might use to extract what is owed to your company. They can provide you with specific processes for success.

What to look for in an answer:

Processes that can eliminate unpaid invoices
Specific steps to recover funds
Knowledge of enforceable terms of each contract signed

Example:

“I would start with simple automated reminders and move to calls or formal letters as necessary. I can also tell you about strategies I’ve developed that might prevent unpaid invoices.”

Q:

How would you rate your teamwork skills as a credit controller? Are you comfortable consulting with other personnel to approve or deny credit applications?

A:

Credit controllers have to make difficult decisions on a daily basis as to whether or not an applicant qualifies for credit opportunities. This question allows interviewers to see how candidates interact with others and rely on their coworkers for help when necessary.

A candidate's answer should emphasize:

Ability to consult with others
Ability to work alone when necessary
Teamwork capabilities

Here is one example of a quality candidate answer:

Example:

"I would say I have great teamwork skills and although I can make difficult decisions on my own, I really enjoy working with my coworkers. There was one time when an applicant just fit the criteria for a credit approval, but I still wasn't sure about it, so I spoke with the other credit controllers in my department, who helped me reach the right conclusion."

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