Denise Smith
Streetly Sutton Coldfield ,West Midlands
Summary
Proficient Credit Control and Finance Administration Manager with 20 years of experience in finance, emphasising effective account oversight and financial accuracy. Successful in developing and sustaining client partnerships while maintaining high organisational standards. Adaptable and detail-focused, with a strong ability to manage multiple tasks. Eager to re-enter the finance sector following a dedicated period for family responsibilities.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work history
General Assistant - Private Education
Wilson Vale Catering C/O Highclare Senior School
Sutton Coldfield , West Midlands
2014.09 - 2025.12
- Supported head chef in meal planning and menu development for diverse dietary needs.
- Managed inventory of catering supplies, minimising waste through efficient practices.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure smooth operations during events.
- Maintained clean, organised workspace to facilitate daily tasks.
- Prepared food for high-capacity events according to strict schedules.
- Demonstrated expertise in dietary restrictions by preparing suitable alternatives.
- Upheld hygiene standards by regularly cleaning high-touch areas and managing waste.
- Handled cash transactions accurately to uphold financial integrity.
Career Break
Brought up two children
Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham
2011.02 - 2014.09
Client Accountant
BNP Paribas
Birmingham, West Midlands
2008.06 - 2011.02
- Facilitated smooth day-to-day property operations through proactive management and communication.
- Enhanced productivity by streamlining administrative processes effectively.
- Produced timely bespoke reports on VAT, rent, service charges, insurance, and utility fees for clients.
- Updated tenant contact records consistently, ensuring inclusion of emergency contacts.
- Efficiently handled lease renewals using TRAMPS software from surveyors.
- Achieved successful completion of annual service charge reconciliations while collaborating with auditors on all financial aspects.
- Coordinated mobilisation of key client purchases to ensure adherence to schedules and accurate billing information.
- Partnered with credit control and cashiering teams to maintain adherence to best practices.
- Attended regular meeting with internal surveyors and external clients to discuss monthly budgeting and cash flow.
- Increased client satisfaction by promptly responding to inquiries and resolving issues.
- Developed strategic plans to mitigate potential credit risks.
- Facilitated training and development of junior staff members, enhancing their skills and knowledge in credit management.
- Streamlined procedures which led to improved efficiency within the credit department.
Head of Demand to Cash
DTZ Formely Donaldson LLP
Birmingham , West Midlands
2001.09 - 2008.06
- Managed council market trader arrears post-acquisition from Birmingham City Council.
- Collaborated with Hammerson , Hendersons Global Investors and Land Securities as leading landlord of the Bull Ring.
- Established a new department by recruiting 25 personnel to expand operational capacity.
- Directed two teams to enhance administration and credit control management.
- Performed audits to ensure compliance with financial regulations and RICS standards.
- Achieved 95% KPI and significantly reduced debt levels through enforced payment terms.
- Facilitated training sessions to improve staff performance and operational efficiency.
- Negotiated repayment plans that decreased delinquent accounts and instructed bailiffs for rent non-payment.
- Involved in project work to enhance efficiencies within the department such as virtual banking and lease change note processes.
Credit Assessment Team Manager
Staples
Birmingham
2000.09 - 2001.09
- Delivered specialist credit assessment support for low-value, high-volume accounts to credit manager.
- Conducted risk assessments for 500 new accounts weekly across Staples Direct and Staples retail business.
- Managed a team of 13 personnel to ensure effective operations.
- Resolved complex collection issues through strategic decision-making and sound judgement.
- Streamlined debt collection processes, enhancing company financial health.
- Developed procedures for customer communication and efficient debt recovery.
- Collaborated with legal department to prepare court case documentation.
- Conducted audits of systems to improve operational efficiency.
Credit Control Manager
Scottish & Newcastle Brewery PLC formerly Courage
Wednesbury, Sandwell
1995.05 - 2000.09
- Oversaw a small team of credit controllers to manage high-value accounts effectively.
- Established credit limits for regional free trade accounts to mitigate financial risks.
- Implemented tracking methods that improved accuracy in credit control processes.
- Collaborated with sales teams to enhance customer service quality and satisfaction levels.
- Delivered monthly reports to financial controller on sales incentives, loan arrears, and credit control activities.
- Updated company policies regularly to ensure compliance with legal standards.
Senior Credit controller
Stainless Threaded Fasteners
Bilston , West Midlands
1994.11 - 1995.05
- Performed regular ledger reviews, ensuring accuracy in record-keeping practices.
- Reviewed credit applications alongside credit checks to support prudent decision-making processes.
- Monitored debtor balances, which resulted in timely payments and reduced overdue invoices.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to expedite resolution of disputed invoices.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, safeguarding client trust and confidentiality.
- Managed ageing analysis reports for swift identification of delinquent accounts.
- Engaged with sales department to resolve customer queries effectively, enhancing communication.
- Utilised persistent follow-ups and negotiations to diminish overdue invoices.
Accounts Clerk
W & S ALLELY LTD
Smethwick, Sandwell
1989.07 - 1994.11
- Verified transaction details, maintaining accuracy in funds received and account balances.
- Reduced payment delays by promptly addressing customer queries.
- Performed regular account reconciliations to enhance financial management precision.
- Contributed to cost reduction through efficient resource utilisation.
- Ensured timely billing cycles for optimal cash flow management.
- Maintained confidentiality of business and customer information.
- Collaborated with sales and finance teams to streamline invoicing.
- Identified record discrepancies, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
Education
7 GCSEs - All subjects
Colton Hills School
Wolverhampton 06/1989 -
Certified Accounting Technician - Accounting
Sandwell College
Sandwell 01/1999 -
Skills
- Communication skills
- Ability to multitask
- Performance in high-pressure situations
- Creative solutions to problems
- Management and leadership capabilities
- Interpersonal relations
- Performance evaluation and goal setting
- Resilience in challenges
- Persistence
- Completion of tasks
Affiliations
- Theatre
- Travel
- Boxing
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
General Assistant - Private Education
Wilson Vale Catering C/O Highclare Senior School
2014.09 - 2025.12
Career Break
Brought up two children
2011.02 - 2014.09
Client Accountant
BNP Paribas
2008.06 - 2011.02
Head of Demand to Cash
DTZ Formely Donaldson LLP
2001.09 - 2008.06
Credit Assessment Team Manager
Staples
2000.09 - 2001.09
Credit Control Manager
Scottish & Newcastle Brewery PLC formerly Courage
1995.05 - 2000.09
Senior Credit controller
Stainless Threaded Fasteners
1994.11 - 1995.05
Accounts Clerk
W & S ALLELY LTD
1989.07 - 1994.11
7 GCSEs - All subjects
Colton Hills School
06/1989 -
Certified Accounting Technician - Accounting
Sandwell College
01/1999 -