My Journey from being Collections Analyst to Credit Control Manager, Part I

Join me as I tell my story on how I started my career in this profession in Debt Collection Process. I will let you know all that I can from bits to pieces so you'll have an idea how did I land on being Debt Collections Manager or aka Credit Control Manager. ( Just in case you are interested)

Journey to Accounts Receivable Job, Job Hunting.

After I finished my studies at one of the Universities in the Philippines, I didn't have any chance to have a break and get a me-time. As the eldest of the family, I need to find a job as soon as possible so I can support my family and start to pay back the kindness that my parents have shown me.

I sent my applications online, did walk-in applications, experienced being asked to sing during an interview because that's one of the skills that I placed on my CV (LOL!). After several interviews with banks and call centers, I was encouraged by my batchmates to try to apply with Maersk. I don't know what type of company that was. I never heard of it.

So to cut the story short, I was hired for a job joining the Debt Collection Process. I don't have any knowledge of Credit Controlling or Debt Collections, neither strategies for Billing and Collections. But at least I know that I will be part of the Finance Department (Because I graduated with a Bachelor in Banking and Finance), that should be fine with me at that time. Plus knowing that my salary back then would be higher than the bank salaries that were offered to me. (Thank God these banks called me a few weeks later after I got hired!)

Gliding Path to Being a Collections Analyst

My first week was the Employment Orientation of course, and also training where we were taught how to use SAP ERP and the Accounts Receivable Process for logistics. And I can tell you, that was one of the most sleepy classes I've ever had! Because we had it at night shift! Geez!!

Jump to the actual job! I was one of the pioneers of the Billing and Collections Team. And I was identified to travel going to Brazil! Babe! Manila to Santos, Brazil? That's insane!!

Flying to Brazil for 1 and a half month is not easy. This is my first travel away from home. Homesickness is legit! And the Debt Collections Process Project is not easy. The team had to be up 'til midnight to finish all the Standard Operating Process (SOP) documented for approval. And those are a lot of customers who have customized billing for each of the key clients. I feel like I was going to meltdown because of pressure.

Street Sign at Brazil near our Hotel.

But I didn't quit! Not because I had no choice but because Brazil is too far from Manila which is approximately 11,389 Miles based on google! (Well.. almost the same as I had no choice!) Kidding! I didn't give up because I was learning a lot at that time about the job of being a Collections Analyst, Strategy they're using there in order to collect the debts, and perform professional debt collection while having side trips during weekends. I am glad that I met new friends too. That was the 2012 September. And until now, they are still my great friends!

Flying back to Manila, I need to teach those Billing and Collections Analytics Processes to the team who were left to base camp. I had to change and improve the process too. Which processes are working with Accounts Receivable, which are redundant processes for Debt Collections, which reports are not useful for Debt Collectors, and which reports are needed by Credit Control Managers? I've got a chance to work remotely with Senior Credit Controllers too and be as their Collections Analyst Online.

Working at night is never an easy job, but I was still able to gain some awards and recognition from my mentors and managers. Customer Engagement Award while in my first job title - Collections Analyst, is one and my first award I guess?

Then I shifted from this owl-like role to a level-up job.

Stay tuned for the continuation of this Accounts Receivable Life Series...