Collections Agent 2

State of Montana • Helena, MT

6d

About The Position

The Collections Agent 2 works on the Central Services Division collections team, recovering unemployment insurance taxes that employers have not paid or have paid incorrectly. The position helps keep Montana’s unemployment insurance program financially sound and compliant with state and federal law, while supporting eligible workers and ensuring employers are treated fairly and consistently.

The role manages delinquent employer accounts and maintains regular contact with employers, district courts, and other sources to gather information, negotiate payment arrangements, and prepare and file legal documents. It applies unemployment insurance laws, rules, and collection procedures, and maintains accurate case records. Employees must reside in Montana. Applications and required documents must be submitted online through the MT Careers site.

Requirements

• Experience in collections, accounts receivable, billing, tax, financial customer service, or another setting where resolving account balances or payment issues was a main job responsibility.
• Experience interpreting and applying laws, rules, policies, or procedures while balancing regulatory requirements with practical customer or business needs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including explaining financial or technical information to varied audiences and handling difficult conversations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and office software, and ability to learn and use case management or electronic records systems.
• Experience handling confidential records and sensitive financial information, following privacy rules, and exercising sound judgment.
• Experience managing a large workload with competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and following through.
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply unemployment insurance laws, regulations, and collection procedures to employer accounts.
• Ability to provide respectful, solution-focused customer service, resolve disagreements, and negotiate workable payment arrangements.
• Ability to communicate sensitively and professionally about financial matters and explain complex requirements in plain language.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain complete, accurate, well-organized case records.
• Ability to prioritize a high volume of cases, meet deadlines, and follow through with little supervision.
• Must reside in Montana.

Nice To Haves

• A degree in business, accounting, finance, public administration, or a related field may supplement relevant professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Review, research, and manage a caseload of delinquent unemployment insurance tax accounts to collect balances accurately and on time.
• Contact employers by phone, mail, and email to explain balances, the reasons for amounts owed, and available payment options.
• Establish payment agreements consistent with agency policy, monitor compliance, and follow up on missed payments.
• Prepare, file, and track legal documents with district courts and other entities to secure and recover unpaid taxes.
• Coordinate with courts, employers, and other relevant parties to obtain information needed to resolve accounts.
• Apply state and federal unemployment insurance laws, rules, and collection procedures consistently and fairly.
• Clearly document contacts, agreements, and actions in the case management system, maintaining accurate records suitable for audit.

Benefits

• Hybrid schedules or partial telework may be available within Montana.
• 38 paid days off per year, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Up to 15 days of military leave with full pay.
• Longevity raises with continuous service, as well as negotiated market increases and state statutory raises.
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an employee assistance program.
• Free telehealth and access to free employee medical clinics through the medical plan.
• Choice between two retirement plans with an employer contribution of 8.73%–9.07% of annual salary; an optional 457(b) deferred compensation plan is also available.
• Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
• Career progression, training opportunities, and professional growth.
• State employee discounts at businesses across Montana.
• The position may be covered by a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed