Sandra Cristina Da Silva Pires
Luton
Summary
Experienced Credit Controller with over 30 years in finance and administration, including 8+ years in remote roles. Proven track record managing high-volume ledgers (up to £6M/month) and consistently recovering £4M+ monthly. Highly organised, detail-oriented, and persistent in debt recovery while maintaining strong client relationships. Skilled across multiple ERP and insurance platforms, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work history
Pre-Litigation Claims Handler
Bike Assist Legal
Remote
12.2025 - Current
- Manage around 40 claims daily using Proclaim system.
- Liaised with legal teams for effective claim settlement.
- Mitigated potential losses by identifying and reporting fraudulent activity promptly.
- Assess liability and client eligibility (impecuniosity).
- Liaise with clients and insurers to gather documentation.
- Chase insurer payments for Credit Hire and Recovery & Storage charges.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date claim records.
Credit Controller Technician
Jensten Group Ltd – London Markets
Remote
04.2024 - 12.2025
- Managed credit control processes for 1,400 clients.
- Reconciled insurer statements using Brokasure.
- Reduced aged debt through proactive chasing (phone/email).
- Implemented process improvements to increase efficiency.
- Resolved client and agent queries quickly and effectively.
- Maintained detailed and accurate reporting via Excel.
- Collaborated with internal teams to ensure smooth functioning of credit control processes.
- Updated database regularly for maintaining up-to-date record of all transactions.
Grants Manager / Business Assistant
EcoNomad Solutions Ltd
Hybrid, Harpenden
10.2023 - 03.2024
- Monitored budgetary guidelines for each grant project, maintaining financial integrity at all times.
- Managed diverse portfolio of grants with meticulous attention to detail.
- Implemented robust systems for record-keeping of all relevant documentation related to each grant awarded-enhancing transparency and efficiency in operations.
- Led training sessions for staff members on best practices in grant management.
- Handled accounts payable/receivable and payroll
- Performed bank reconciliations and expense processing
- Supported HR, procurement, and office management
- Acted as Personal Assistant to CEO
Finance Assistant & Credit Controller
SimplyVAT.com
Remote
05.2021 - 10.2023
- Strengthened internal control procedures with meticulous record-keeping practices.
- Improved financial reporting standards for increased accuracy in business decision-making.
- Assisted with the preparation of annual budgets to facilitate strategic planning.
- Managed credit control for 1,800 clients.
- Processed VAT payments and submissions for IOSS clients.
- Performed bank reconciliations and payment allocations.
- Managed invoices, refunds, and client accounts in Xero.
- Supported month-end and year-end processes.
Applications & Assessment Administrator (Temp)
Innovate UK
Swindon
09.2020 - 04.2021
- Supported end-to-end competition assessment processes alongside Portfolio Managers.
- Coordinated assessor selection, onboarding, and contract management.
- Allocated applications and monitored progress to meet strict deadlines.
- Processed assessor invoices accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Liaised with internal stakeholders to ensure smooth assessment delivery.
- Organised and supported panel meetings and interview sessions.
- Managed conflicts of interest and supported project start-up activities.
Finance Assistant
Outsource UK
Swindon
02.2020 - 07.2020
- Resolved customer queries regarding billing issues leading to improved customer satisfaction.
- Processed contractor timesheets and maintained payroll data.
- Supported twice-weekly payroll runs ensuring accuracy and deadlines met.
- Set up new employees and placements within internal systems.
- Managed contractor expense claims and resolved queries.
- Provided administrative support through high-volume email handling.
Grants Reconciliation Administrator (Temp)
Innovate UK
Swindon
10.2019 - 01.2020
- Reconciled live and closed grant projects to validate costs and claims.
- Reviewed supporting documentation to ensure audit compliance.
- Maintained accurate financial records for reporting and auditing.
- Responded to queries from grant recipients and stakeholders.
Finance Coordinator
Fleetcor Europe UK
Swindon
05.2018 - 10.2019
- Processed high-volume invoices (100/day) with accuracy and efficiency.
- Managed supplier payments, including weekly payment runs across 3 entities.
- Reconciled accounts, including direct debits and supplier statements.
- Produced weekly aged debtor reports to support credit control.
- Handled expenses, accruals, prepayments, and VAT processing.
- Managed supplier setup and maintained financial records.
- Processed intercompany and international payments.
E-Commerce Administrator
APD – Automotive Parts Distributor
Swindon
07.2017 - 05.2018
- Managed and optimised company eBay and Amazon listings.
- Created and maintained product data on internal systems.
- Monitored pricing and competitor activity.
- Produced monthly performance and pricing reports.
- Uploaded listings in bulk and managed product imagery.
Customer Service Agent (Temp)
Thames Water
Swindon
10.2016 - 03.2017
- Managed customer queries for better understanding of products and services.
- Utilised product knowledge to provide accurate information to customers.
- Assisted customers in navigating company website, enhanced user experience.
- Managed customer requests for meter installations.
- Raised work orders and coordinated with external contractors.
- Investigated and resolved account and service issues.
- Handled inbound and outbound customer communications.
- Supported billing updates and payment plan arrangements.
Education
GCSEs -
Escola Secundaria Aquilino Ribeiro
PortugalSkills
- Credit Control & Debt Recovery
- Ledger Management (1,400–1,800 clients)
- Accounts Receivable & Payable
- Bank Reconciliation & Payment Processing
- Client Relationship Management
- Process Improvement & Automation
- Financial Reporting & Month-End
- Multilingual Communication (English, Portuguese, Spanish)
- Intermediate Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables)
Languages
English
Proficient (C2)
Portuguese
Proficient (C2)
Spanish
Proficient (C2)
French
Intermediate
Additional Strengths
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Highly organised and adaptable
- Persistent and results-driven approach to collections
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Pre-Litigation Claims Handler
Bike Assist Legal
12.2025 - Current
Credit Controller Technician
Jensten Group Ltd – London Markets
04.2024 - 12.2025
Grants Manager / Business Assistant
EcoNomad Solutions Ltd
10.2023 - 03.2024
Finance Assistant & Credit Controller
SimplyVAT.com
05.2021 - 10.2023
Applications & Assessment Administrator (Temp)
Innovate UK
09.2020 - 04.2021
Finance Assistant
Outsource UK
02.2020 - 07.2020
Grants Reconciliation Administrator (Temp)
Innovate UK
10.2019 - 01.2020
Finance Coordinator
Fleetcor Europe UK
05.2018 - 10.2019
E-Commerce Administrator
APD – Automotive Parts Distributor
07.2017 - 05.2018
Customer Service Agent (Temp)
Thames Water
10.2016 - 03.2017
GCSEs -
Escola Secundaria Aquilino Ribeiro