Robert Ernsberger
Southampton,Hampshior
Summary
Experienced professional with a strong background in project management and financial systems, specialising in sales ledger and payment process optimisation. Demonstrates exceptional supervisory and management skills, with a proven track record in student payment management, debt recovery, and risk assessment. Proficient in SITS Finance modules and adept at supplier engagement and oversight. Skilled in managing the US Federal Aid process, aiming to leverage expertise to drive financial efficiency and operational excellence.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work history
Income Manager
Southampton Solent University
Southampton, Hampshire
10.2008 - Current
- Established and managed cashier and credit control team maintaining a complex sales ledger with multiple income streams.
- Management of all University processes around student payments including bursaries and scholarships.
- Destination point administrator and Finance Lead for all US Federal Aid processes
- Implemented new self-service online payment systems, enhancing university's customer experience and process efficiency.
- Acted as Finance Lead and Subject Matter Expert on multiple finance system projects
- Maintenance and review of all University Income related Policies and and procedures
- Responsibility of Income related relationships including contract and service reviews budgets and payments.
- Represented finance in cross-departmental working groups
- Expert in the technical maintenance of the finance elements of the student record system
Assistant Finance Manager
MOL Europe Ltd
Southampton, Hampshire
01.2007 - 10.2008
- Managed a combined cashier and credit control team in Sales Ledger Maintenance and collection of all Income
- Management of credit customer onboarding processes including risk management
- Regular financial reporting to the head office in Tokyo
Senior credit controller
MOL Europe
Southampton, Hampshire
11.2006 - 01.2007
- Supervision of a credit control team with responsibility for the collection of all trade debt both nationally and internationally and cashiering functions.
- Followed up monthly statements with courtesy calls to customers.
- Reviewed and submitted applications to management with recommendations.
Project coordinator
MOL Europe Ltd
Southampton, Hampshire
10.2005 - 11.2006
- Managed communication amongst project team members to foster collaboration.
- Improved workflow efficiency with structured planning and coordination of tasks.
- Addressed potential risks timely, preventing unnecessary setbacks.
- Maintained an organised filing system for all project documents, enhancing accessibility.
Credit Controller
MOL Europe Ltd
Southampton, Hampshire
04.2004 - 10.2005
- Identified most pressing client debt cases to pursue.
- Contacted customers about overdue payments by phone, letter and email.
- Progressed legal action for overdue accounts.
- Reduced business risk with stringent credit checks and assessment.
- Reconciled complicated accounts provided by accounting team.
- Improved financial efficiency by implementing new credit control procedures.
Senior Cashier
Bonhams Auctioneers
London
10.2003 - 03.2004
- Facilitated smooth checkout operations, counting cash drawers at the beginning of every shift to ensure adequate change availability.
- Managed end of day cash reconciliation, ensuring accurate reporting.
- Collaborated closely with team members during busy periods for smooth operations.
- Counted change correctly and issued customer receipts.
Shipping Coordinator
Bonhams Auctioneers
London
06.2001 - 10.2003
- Fostered positive relationships with clients, carriers and customers officials to swiftly resolve problems.
- Consolidated packages to reduce shipping costs for valued customers, promoting ongoing working relationships and increased business.
- Verified shipping methods and routes from pick-up location to final destination.
- Organised licences to move [Type] goods into or out of UK territory.
- Traced delayed or lost shipments to establish next course of action.
- Prepared detailed invoices and shipping labels ensuring legal compliance.
- Tracked shipping trends to identify consistent problems with customs, carriers or specific types of cargo.
- Provided customer support, improved client relationships.
Customer Service Advisor
British Gas
Southampton, Hampshire
10.2000 - 04.2001
- Established positive relationships with clients by going extra mile to build rapport.
- Employed active listening and product expertise to successfully resolve inbound queries.
- Consistently achieved service rating targets, managing customer enquiries with personalised care and attention.
English Teacher
Hongxin English Language School
Guangzhou, China
08.1999 - 09.2000
- Offered personalised constructive feedback to improve student development.
- Supported students in achieving personalised linguistic goals within desired timeframes.
English teacher
Guangdong University of Technology
Guangzhou, China
10.1998 - 07.1999
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans for students' improved understanding of the English language.
- Established positive, productive classroom environments for maximised student engagement.
Assistant Cruise Director
Victoria Cruises
Chongching, China
05.1996 - 07.1996
- Worked closely with entertainers to ensure high-quality performances every night.
- Coordinated talent shows, contributing to diverse entertainment options onboard.
- Managed team meetings to foster better coordination and service delivery.
- Organised children's activities, leading to a positive holiday experience for families.
- Maintained event schedules; ensuring timely execution of planned programmes.
- Regularly interacted with guests; promoting a friendly atmosphere onboard.
- Handled guest complaints effectively, resulting in improved customer relations.
- Helped passengers with queries, ensuring their comfort throughout the journey.
Education
Level 5 Diploma in Credit Management - Credit Management
Chartered Institute of Credit Management
Peterborough 04.2007 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Chinese and History
Leeds University
Leeds 09.1994 - 07.1998
Skills
- Project Management and Financial Systems
- Supervisory and Management Skills
- Sales ledger and payment process optimisation
- Student Payment Management
- Debt Recovery and Risk Assessment
- Proficiency in SITS Finance modules
- Supplier engagement and oversight
- US Federal Aid Process Management
Accomplishments
2023 - Flywire/WPM Annual Awards - Outstanding Contribution Award
2022-Present Flywire Advisory Board on new payment technological development
2020-Present Director at Grassroots Tennis
2018-present Admin of a local tennis WhatsApp group, Grew it from 12 members to over 250 active tennis playing members
2019-2022 - Chairman of Wessex Branch of Chartered Institute of Credit Management
2018-2020 - League and competition coordinator for David Lloyd West End
2017-2018 - Social Media Officer for Wessex Branch of the Chartered Institute of Credit Management
Affiliations
- Tennis
- Travel
- Reading
- Tennis Administration
Certification
CICM Grad Membership
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Income Manager
Southampton Solent University
10.2008 - Current
Level 5 Diploma in Credit Management - Credit Management
Chartered Institute of Credit Management
04.2007 - 06.2012
Assistant Finance Manager
MOL Europe Ltd
01.2007 - 10.2008
Senior credit controller
MOL Europe
11.2006 - 01.2007
Project coordinator
MOL Europe Ltd
10.2005 - 11.2006
Credit Controller
MOL Europe Ltd
04.2004 - 10.2005
Senior Cashier
Bonhams Auctioneers
10.2003 - 03.2004
Shipping Coordinator
Bonhams Auctioneers
06.2001 - 10.2003
Customer Service Advisor
British Gas
10.2000 - 04.2001
English Teacher
Hongxin English Language School
08.1999 - 09.2000
English teacher
Guangdong University of Technology
10.1998 - 07.1999
Assistant Cruise Director
Victoria Cruises
05.1996 - 07.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Chinese and History
Leeds University
09.1994 - 07.1998