Open to opportunities

Oliver Yates

@oliveryates

Message

Hands-on credit control leader who turns around high-risk ledgers with KPI-driven, empathetic collections.

United Kingdom

Message

What I'm looking for

I’m looking for a KPI-driven credit control role where I can own end-to-end collections, turn around aged debt with data, and continuously improve processes—either as a standalone expert or leading a remote team with coaching at the core.

I’m a hands-on Credit Controller with strong experience in “credit control and associated tasks,” thriving in “high-pressure, KPI-driven environments.” I’m trusted to “turn around challenging or underperforming ledgers,” consistently ranking among “the highest performers within multi-controller teams,” and delivering measurable improvements like reducing DSO and aged debt.

I’ve worked across “private and public sectors,” large and small organisations, and B2B/B2C—often with a vulnerable client base—so my approach blends “bespoke and empathetic” collections with clear accountability and ethical decision-making. I’ve managed end-to-end credit control (query management, raising invoices, adjustments, reporting on aged debt, cash allocation, and reconciliation), and I’m confident analysing data to mitigate risk and make informed, commercial choices.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Credit Controller / Finance Assistant

Current

LB Waste

Feb 2025 - Present (1 year 4 months)

Sole Credit Controller and Finance Assistant for a rapidly growing waste business, managing end-to-end credit control and query management. Adjusted credit limits and coordinated with insurers to align limits to financials and spending.

Credit Control Query Management Credit Limits Invoicing Accounts Receivable Stakeholder Management

Credit Control Team Leader

Additional Polygon Damage Control / ISS

Oct 2023 - Feb 2025 (1 year 4 months)

Line managed a remote team of five Credit Controllers, handling performance reviews, 1:1s, attendance/sickness management, recruitment, and coaching/mentoring. Chaired key account meetings and presented performance/action plans to senior management to reduce outstanding debt.

Team Leadership Line Management Performance Reviews 1:1s Key Account Management Continuous Improvement

Credit Controller

Additional Polygon Damage Control / ISS

Nov 2021 - Oct 2023 (1 year 11 months)

Served as sole Credit Controller with ownership of a £2 million ledger, chasing debt and resolving accounts in query through daily liaison with internal stakeholders. Reduced aged debt by circa £1 million within the first 12 months and maintained strong record quality to meet monthly targets.

Credit Control Cash Allocation Query Resolution SAP Ledger Management

Credit Controller

Breedon Cement

Oct 2020 - Oct 2021 (1 year)

Owned a €10+ million cement ledger, managing cash allocations, credits and adjustments, and reconciling complex accounts. Supported debt recovery by working on the legal ledger and instructing solicitors to open legal cases, reducing average DSO from 80 to 60 in six months.

Credit Control Cash Allocation Legal Case Management DSO Debt Recovery

Senior Credit Controller

Videotel

May 2020 - Sep 2020 (4 months)

Took full responsibility for an open £600k ledger, analyzing outstanding debt to mitigate risk and pursuing legal action when required. Reduced outstanding debt by 50% within the first three months and delivered weekly debt reviews with cash flow reporting.

Credit Control Ledger Management Legal Actions Weekly Cash Flow Reporting DSO Management

Credit Controller

IQVIA

Jul 2016 - Mar 2020 (3 years 8 months)

Solely managed the complete credit control process and supported the UKI finance team on accounts receivable, ensuring KPI achievement for gross and net DSO. Reduced DSO from 80 days to 45 days by forecasting DSO, improving collections strategies, and driving process improvements to reduce the A/R balance.

Credit Control Accounts Receivable KPIs Cash Allocation Process Improvement Data Analysis

Group Credit Controller

International Piping Products Ltd

Apr 2016 - Jul 2016 (3 months)

Managed a ledger of over £6 million across multiple companies and currencies, coordinating cash allocation and invoice query case management. Recommended legal proceedings for high-risk customers and built KPI reporting for management based on aged debt and collections performance.

Cash Allocation Invoice Management Legal Proceeding Recommendations KPIs Reporting Debt Collection

Key Account Credit Controller

Briggs Equipment UK

Jun 2015 - Feb 2016 (8 months)

Acted as the single point of contact for key customers (including Honda, Howdens, and Britvic) with ownership of a £2 million ledger. Improved order-to-payment processes in partnership with customers and recommended write-offs or legal proceedings where appropriate to mitigate past-due and non-payment risk.

Key Account Management Credit Control Past Due Mitigation Write Offs