Below the level of the board of directors, somebody has to be responsible for running the credit function on a day-to-day basis.Not a flippant remark, since it is true that a credit manager has the responsibility for an asset (debtors) worth, possibly, many millions, but does not have the actual authority to do what is expected.Although that task requires someone with full management responsibility, the reality in some organizations is that there is no one who fits the bill, so the finance director - the board member nearest to the 'action' - has to take on the role.The difference between responsibility and authority is therefore a 'gap' which has to be filled by a talent for persuading other managers to do the right things all the time.