Debbie Matthews

An accomplished Credit and Collections Leader with over 30 years' experience delivering strategic credit management, risk mitigation, cash flow optimisation, and operational excellence across multinational, private equity-backed, and large corporate organisations. Currently responsible for the strategic oversight of a £200 million receivables portfolio for Adecco UK & Ireland, leading six collections teams across the UK and India. A highly respected leader with a proven track record of improving working capital performance, strengthening governance frameworks, reducing risk exposure, and developing high-performing teams.

Recognised for building strong stakeholder relationships across Finance, Sales, Operations, Legal, and Executive Leadership teams, ensuring credit strategies support commercial objectives whilst maintaining robust risk controls. Extensive experience managing business transformation, offshore operations, organisational change, insolvency situations, and complex customer portfolios. A people-focused leader passionate about creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and service excellence while delivering sustainable financial results.

Senior Credit Manager - Adecco UK & Ireland - UK and India

(2022-08)

Reporting to Head of Global Collections. Global recruitment organisation with annual revenues exceeding £2.6 billion. Responsible for the strategic leadership of the Credit and Collections function across the UK and India, overseeing six operational teams and a receivables portfolio of approximately £200 million.

• Leading six Credit and Collections teams comprising more than 35 employees across the UK and India.
• Develop and implement collections strategies to improve cash flow performance and minimise overdue debt.
• Establish and maintain effective credit policies, governance frameworks, and risk controls.
• Approve high-risk credit decisions with the business and manage significant customer exposures.
• Produce portfolio analysis, management reporting, and strategic insights for senior leadership.
• Partner with Finance, Sales, Legal, and Operational stakeholders to support business growth whilst balancing risk.
• Lead team development, succession planning, and performance management to build future capability.

Credit Manager - Adecco UK & Ireland Ltd - UK

(2014-06 - 2022-08)

Led three specialist teams within a Credit function of approximately 60 employees, covering General Staffing, Corporate Accounts, and High-Risk/Legal portfolios. Managed a £50 million ledger comprising approximately 2,500 customer accounts.

• Led and developed a team of 21 Credit professionals.
• Conducted debt reviews and performance meetings with Managing Directors and senior stakeholders.
• Produced cash flow forecasts and performance analysis.
• Managed escalated customer disputes, legal recoveries, and complex account issues.
• Established collection targets and performance measures to improve team effectiveness.
• Delivered regular portfolio reviews to the Head of Credit and Shared Services Director.
• Oversaw performance management, recruitment, employee development, disciplinary processes, and absence management.
• Enhanced query management processes and escalation controls.

Credit Recovery Consultant - Veritas Consultancy

(2013-12 - 2014-03)

Retained by administrators following the insolvency of Intertruck Ltd to support debt recovery activities.

• Assisted in reducing outstanding debtor balances from £6 million to less than £1 million within a three-month period.
• Worked closely with insolvency practitioners to maximise recoveries and support the orderly winding-up of the business.

Credit Manager - Intertruck Ltd

(2012-05 - 2013-12)

Private equity-backed commercial vehicle parts distribution business with turnover of approximately £40 million. Managed a £6 million ledger across approximately 5,000 customer accounts, including both independent customers and national account portfolios. Business entered receivership and subsequently transferred under TUPE arrangements.

Credit Manager - Unipart Commercial Vehicle

(2009-02 - 2012-05)

Responsible for Credit operations across two commercial vehicle businesses with combined turnover exceeding £55 million. Managed separate sales ledgers across wholesale and branch distribution operations. Role transferred to Intertruck Ltd following business acquisition in 2012.

Credit Control Supervisor - Unipart Automotive Ltd

(2001-09 - 2009-02)

Promoted to Credit Manager following formation of Unipart Commercial Vehicle.

Credit Controller - Unipart Automotive Ltd

(1999-08 - 2001-09)

Promoted to Credit Control Supervisor.

Sales Ledger Clerk - Partco Ltd

(1997-05 - 1999-08)

Business acquired by Unipart, creating progression opportunity into Credit Control.

Accounts Assistant - Alan Growcock Wholesale

(1991-10 - 1997-05)