Farah Akhtar
London,England
Summary
Experienced professional with a strong background in credit control and debt collection, cash-flow management, and credit risk assessment. Proficient in aged debt analysis, customer risk profiling, and financial reporting and analysis. Demonstrates exceptional skills in professional telephone negotiation, clear written communication, attention to detail, and team collaboration. Adapt at training and mentoring junior staff. Extensive experience using MS Office applications including Excel and Word, as well as systems such as Oracle, GP, Quest, and Netsuite. Committed to leveraging expertise to enhance financial operations and support organisational growth.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior credit controller/Credit Manager
Quarto Group
London
06.2017 - 12.2025
- Worked closely with Sales, Editorial and Production teams to ensure accurate order processing and smooth end-to-end transaction flows.
- Supported the training and development of junior team members, improving capability and consistency within the credit function.
- Assisted the Financial Controller with credit risk assessments and review of customer credit limits.
- Managed all aspects of the accounts receivable cycle, from invoicing to collection targets
- Proactively chased customers for overdue balances and resolved complex queries to secure timely payment.
- Consistently achieved and exceeded monthly cash-collection targets of up to $800,000.
- Successfully managed and delivered annual cash collections in excess of $34 million, safeguarding revenue and supporting business cash flow.
- Developed strategic plans to mitigate potential credit risks.
- Created robust strategies that efficiently minimised bad debt exposure.
- Negotiated repayment plans for successful collections
- Participated in regular meetings with management to discuss outstanding issues, contributing valuable insights for action plans.
- Provided training to junior staff, promoting a high-performance work environment.
Credit controller
Daily Telegraph Newspaper -Temporary Assignment
London
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Worked alongside three Credit Controllers, jointly managing a high-value shared debt ledger of approximately £54 million, and successfully achieved a combined monthly collection targets of £4,500,000
- Managed a portfolio of approximately 600 customer accounts, maintaining accurate records and strong customer relationships.
- Resolved customer queries efficiently to ensure timely payment and minimise disputes.
- Contacted customers regarding overdue balances via phone, email and written correspondence.
- Prompted customers with overdue payments to prevent escalation and contractual penalties.
- Received and processed debit and credit card payments by telephone in line with security and compliance procedures.
- Tracked outstanding debtor balances and accurately allocated incoming cash across accounts.
- Followed up monthly statements with professional courtesy calls to encourage prompt settlement.
- Escalated high-risk accounts and complex issues promptly to senior management.
- Collaborated with internal teams to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of credit control processes.
Credit controller
Quacquarelli Symonds
London, England
03.2012 - 12.2016
- Supported World University Rankings for MBA enrolment events for students by working closely with Events and Sales teams
- Dealt with sales team to successfully resolve queries in order to resolve outstanding debt
- Chased outstanding debt across a global portfolio of over 22,000 universities, working on a high-value debt ledger of approximately £60 million.
- Worked closely with the Credit Manager to prioritise risk, manage aged debt, and improve collection outcomes.
- Compiled and maintained detailed debtor reports to support cash-flow forecasting and management decisions.
- Negotiated repayment arrangements and structured payment plans, improving cash flow.
- Managed customer accounts with a strong focus on service and professionalism
- Liaised with the Sales team to accelerate resolution of payment issues.
- Contacted AP departments of Universities regarding overdue balances by phone, email and written correspondence.
- Monitored outstanding balances and followed up payments to ensure timely settlement.
- Provided monthly statements with professional courtesy calls to encourage prompt payment.
- Escalated high-risk accounts and critical issues promptly to Credit Manager
- Provided consistent financial and credit support to maximise corporate sales and overall profitability.
Administrative Assistant
Blavo & Co Solicitors
London, England
03.2011 - 02.2012
- Handled high volumes of incoming calls and provided a professional first point of contact for clients and external stakeholders.
- Accurately prepared correspondence, legal documents, and case notes for fee earners via digital dictation
- Provided reception cover, welcoming clients, managing appointments, and ensuring a professional front-of-house service.
- Processed Legal Aid and claims on behalf of fee earners, ensuring accuracy, compliance with Legal Aid Agency requirements, and timely submission.
- Maintained strict confidentiality while supporting solicitors and caseworkers with administrative and client-focused tasks.
Education
BA (Hons) Degree - Accounts and Business
London Metropolitan University
London, England 09.2005 - 02.2010
Skills
- Credit control & debt collection
- Cash-flow management
- Credit risk assessment & limit setting
- Aged debt analysis
- Customer risk profiling
- Financial reporting & analysis
- Professional telephone negotiation
- Clear written communication (email & correspondence)
- Attention to detail
- Team collaboration
- Training & mentoring junior staff
- MS office to include excel, MS Word,
- systems worked on Oracle, GP, Quest, Netsuite
Timeline
Senior credit controller/Credit Manager
Quarto Group
06.2017 - 12.2025
Credit controller
Daily Telegraph Newspaper -Temporary Assignment
01.2017 - 05.2017
Credit controller
Quacquarelli Symonds
03.2012 - 12.2016
Administrative Assistant
Blavo & Co Solicitors
03.2011 - 02.2012
BA (Hons) Degree - Accounts and Business
London Metropolitan University
09.2005 - 02.2010