Connect with a cause that needs you!

DURHAM CATHEDRAL SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Durham
Part-time
Credit Controller

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

Department: Finance
Reports to: Finance Manager
Location: Location: Durham (on-site initially; one day per week remote working available
once fully trained and established in the role)
Hours: Part-time, 2 days per week (15 hours), full year. Consideration may be given to
term-time only working, with some flexibility during school holidays.

About Us

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is an independent co-educational day and boarding
school, committed to delivering high-quality education and pastoral care. Sound financial
management underpins everything we do, and our Finance team plays a crucial role in
ensuring the school can continue to support pupils, families, and staff.

The Role

We are seeking a confident, organised and resilient Credit Controller to take ownership of
the school’s fee-debt position and support timely, consistent collection of outstanding
balances. This is a hands-on role requiring regular telephone contact with parents, clear
record-keeping, and the confidence to manage sometimes sensitive financial conversations
with professionalism and discretion.

Key Responsibilities

•

Take day-to-day responsibility for the school’s tuition and ancillary fee ledger,
ensuring accounts are accurate and up to date

• Monitor aged-debt reports (30/60/90+ days) and proactively pursue overdue

balances

•

Chase outstanding payments primarily by telephone, supported by email and
written correspondence, in a polite but firm manner

• Negotiate and monitor payment arrangements where appropriate, in line with

school policy

•

Liaise with parents, guardians and internal teams (Admissions, Finance,
Administration, pastoral staff) to resolve payment queries or disputes

• Maintain detailed and accurate records of all communications, payment plans,

and collection activity

• Produce regular debt and cash-collection reports for senior management and

Governors

•

Escalate long-outstanding or high-risk debts in accordance with agreed
procedures

• Support wider Finance team activities as required, including reconciliation and

fee-collection processes

Person Specification — Essential

The successful candidate will:

• Be highly comfortable using the telephone and confident initiating and

managing conversations about overdue payments

• Have experience or a solid understanding of accounts receivable, credit control

or similar financial processes

• Be well organised, methodical and able to manage multiple accounts

simultaneously with strong attention to detail

• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing

• Be resilient and persistent, able to remain calm, courteous and firm when

dealing with challenging or sensitive situations

• Demonstrate good judgement, discretion and respect for confidentiality

• Be competent in Microsoft Excel and finance systems, with the ability to learn

school-specific software

Desirable (but not essential)

• Previous credit control or debt-collection experience, ideally within education,

charity or a service-led environment

• Knowledge of data protection, privacy and debt-recovery best practice

• AAT or other finance-related qualification

What We Offer

•

The opportunity to play a key role in supporting the school’s financial
sustainability

• A collaborative and supportive Finance team within a respected, values-driven

educational institution

How to Apply

Please submit the application form, outlining your suitability for the role, with
particular reference to your experience of telephone-based collections and
managing sensitive financial discussions.

Closing date: [Insert date]
Start date: As soon as possible