CLAIRE SAVAGE
Carrickfergus,County Antrim
Summary
Experienced Credit Controller with a strong background in credit control, credit risk responsibilities and billing experience. Including assessing customer accounts, monitoring credit exposure, managing collection, reconciling balances, resolving complex payment and invoice queries.
Skilled in maintaining accurate records, identifying and escalating risk, prioritising high-value accounts, working collaboratively with customers and colleagues to support cash flow and minimise debt. Organised, analytical, dependable and the ability to support others while managing competing priorities.
Now keen to progress into a Credit Risk and Billing Team Senior position, bringing practical expertise, strong communication skills and a combined commitment to effective controls, service quality and team success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Credit Controller & Credit Risk
The SHS Group
04.2025 - Current
- Documented customer payments and credit queries precisely, maintaining accurate and up-to-date accounts.
- Managed Direct Debit process, creating smooth process, reducing cash flow risk.
- Monitoring held / blocked orders.
- Handled telephone credit collections promptly and professionally, quickly resolving account issues.
- Reconciled customer disputes efficiently, ensuring accurate invoicing and prompt payment.
- Reviewed new account requests, verifying eligibility and capability to understand credit position of customers.
- Collaborated effectively with sales teams to ensure outstanding debts were paid within agreed timeframes.
- Reviewed credit applications and performed credit checks following evaluation procedures.
- Attended Credit Circle Forums and monthly insurance calls with credit insurers.
Accounts Assistant - Finance
Douglas and Grahame
Carrickfergus
10.2019 - 04.2025
- Processed supplier invoices accurately and promptly, adhering to strict deadlines to maintain effective cash flow management.
- Reviewed and initiated multi-currency payment runs, obtaining necessary approvals.
- Conducted regular supplier statement reconciliations to detect and rectify any anomalies in payment records.
- Oversaw Letter of Credit processes and managed Documents Against Acceptance.
- Assisted in ensuring precision of expenses and validation of agreements through close work with the procurement department.
- Fostered positive relationships with suppliers during all business transactions.
- Generated accurate debit notes for financial documentation.
- Streamlined interactions with transport entities regarding mandatory documentation for smooth goods processing.
- Established consistent and dependable connections with key stakeholders.
- Exhibited meticulous attention to detail, maintaining high-quality standards in deliverables.
- Negotiated payment terms with suppliers to optimise cash flow and benefited from early payment discounts.
- Coordinated with auditors during annual audits, providing necessary documentation and explanations for accounts payable procedures.
Customer Support Assistant
SHS Group Ltd
Belfast
05.2018 - 10.2019
- Built rapport with customers through courteous and professional communications.
- Handled customer complaints with empathy and patience, offering practical solutions to retain goodwill and foster positive relationships.
- Consistently demonstrating professional conduct.
- Adjusted workload priorities efficiently amidst rapid changes.
- Processed orders with precision and speed through Word, Excel, and SAP.
- Provided information on after-sales services for comprehensive support.
- Updated customer records and handled administrative tasks with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in customer database.
- Coordinated with logistics and supply chain departments to update customers on order status, delays, and expected delivery times.
- Established connections across different sectors like procurement, accounting, and logistics.
- Monitored inventory to guarantee availability for priority clients.
- Engaged with customers through multiple channels, including face-to-face, phone, and email, ensuring consistent service quality.
Customer Service Supervisor
Mauds
Carrickfergus
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Achieved outstanding customer satisfaction through effective team management.
- Identified ongoing issues and implemented solutions to maintain optimum service levels.
- Addressed and solved customer issues and complaints without difficulty.
- Communicated specials, promotions and offers to customers to help upsell additional products and increase revenue.
- Managed end-of-day procedures ensuring seamless transitions.
- Performed thorough and precise cash reconciling procedures consistently.
- Supervised purchasing process.
- Implemented efficient measures to prevent stock discrepancies.
- Oversaw invoicing processes.
Store Manager
Peacocks Stores Ltd
Carrickfergus
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Managed entire store operations to achieve company objectives through excellent customer service.
- Oversaw expense management and documented all expenditures.
- Created strategies to enhance store performance by improving key performance indicators.
- Trained, coached, and motivated team members to ensure exceptional customer service.
- Managed strategies focused on store team development and growth.
- Vigorously engaged in promoting Company and store.
- Oversaw procurement of stock and materials, ensuring accurate reconciliation with the computerized stock ledger.
- Handled all aspects of personnel and payroll paperwork efficiently.
- Proficient with multiple corporate software systems.
- Managed store budget, controlling expenses to ensure financial targets were met.
- Oversaw inventory management, reducing stock loss through effective control measures.
Branch Manager
Dorothy Perkins (Arcadia Group Ltd.)
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Managed daily operations of branch, overseeing staff performance and customer service standards.
- Maintained high levels of customer satisfaction through exceptional service and prompt resolution of complaints.
- Conducted regular training sessions for staff, focusing on compliance, product knowledge, and customer handling skills.
- Managed branch budget, monitoring expenditures and making cost-effective decisions to maximise profitability.
- Organised and led team meetings to review performance data, set goals, and motivate staff towards achieving excellence.
- Analysed financial reports to monitor branch performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Oversaw recruitment, training, and development of staff to enhance branch productivity.
- Controlled expenses and allocated financial resources to reach budget goals.
- Coordinated stock audits efficiently.
Assistant Manager
Dorothy Perkins (Arcadia Group Ltd.)
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Directed company growth initiatives.
- Boosted morale through constructive engagement and leadership.
- Contributed to branch performance by setting and aligning objectives with key targets.
- Resolved service-impacting performance challenges.
- Resolved complex and high-priority customer challenges.
- Collaborated in local marketing initiatives to increase brand awareness.
- Examined reports on daily, monthly, and annual basis.
- Optimized frameworks for talent acquisition, performance review, and professional growth.
- Facilitated seamless connections with distribution channels.
- Executed efficient management of cash accounting operations.
- Oversaw budgeting for payroll costs to maximize revenue contribution.
- Resolved escalated customer complaints by offering practical solutions and maintaining professionalism.
Education
GCE A Level - English, Religious Education, Home Economics
Belfast High School
06-2003
GCSE - English, English Literature, ICT, Mathematics, Double Award Science, French, Additional Mathematics
Belfast High School
06-2001
Skills
- SAP, SAGE, Microsoft Suite
- Credit Control
- Credit Risk
- Ledger Management
Certification
Excel Intermediate Certified, 12/01/24
Hobbies and Interests
- Keeping fit and healthy.
- Attending classes at the gym a few times a week.
- Baking.
- Travelling.
- Holidays with family.
Personal Information
Driving Licence: Full Driving Licence
References
- Andrea Johnston, Finance Manager Douglas and Grahame, 15 Sloefield Drive, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 8GX, 07564571857
- Christina Dallas, I2C Manager SHS, 199 Airport Road West, County Antrim, BT3 9ED.
Timeline
Credit Controller & Credit Risk
The SHS Group
04.2025 - Current
Accounts Assistant - Finance
Douglas and Grahame
10.2019 - 04.2025
Customer Support Assistant
SHS Group Ltd
05.2018 - 10.2019
Customer Service Supervisor
Mauds
01.2012 - 01.2018
Store Manager
Peacocks Stores Ltd
01.2009 - 01.2012
Branch Manager
Dorothy Perkins (Arcadia Group Ltd.)
01.2007 - 01.2009
Assistant Manager
Dorothy Perkins (Arcadia Group Ltd.)
01.2004 - 01.2007
GCE A Level - English, Religious Education, Home Economics
Belfast High School
GCSE - English, English Literature, ICT, Mathematics, Double Award Science, French, Additional Mathematics
Belfast High School