Summary
The main function of a collector is to locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment. A typical collector is responsible for receiving payment, preparing statements to credit department if customer doesn’t respond, and keeping records of collection.
Job Responsibilities
- Receive payments and post amounts paid to customer accounts.
- Locate and monitor overdue accounts.
- Confer with customers by telephone or in person to determine reasons for overdue payments and to review the terms of sales, services, or credit contracts.
- Persuade customers to pay amounts due on credit accounts, damage claims or non-payable checks, or to return merchandise.
- Arrange for debt repayment or establish repayment schedules, based on customers’ financial situations.
Skills
- Verbal and written communication skills, customer service and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage one’s time.
- Ability to accurately document and record customer/client information.
- Exceptional debt recovery techniques.
- Basic mentoring skills necessary to provide support and constructive performance feedback.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and company policies, procedures and regulations as related to collections.
- Previous experience with computer applications, such as Microsoft Word, and any other related collections software a plus.
Education/Experience
- High school diploma or GED required.
- 5-7 years financial and/or customer service experience required.
