Collections Specialist 1

Corodata•Poway, CA

16h•$18 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Accounting Manager, the Collections Specialist is responsible for assisting the Finance department in minimizing the time elapsed between the date invoices are issued and the time payments are collected for the business. To achieve this, this position will be primarily responsible for contacting clients and collecting payments for past-due invoices. The ideal candidate would be able to everyday operations of high-volume invoice and credit memo creation, payment reminders, collections, investigating and resolving complex unpaid claims, and updating database records. This position is responsible for reporting and escalating any client payment issues to their manager. Typically reports to the Accounting Manager but may be given direction from the Controller. In addition to efficiently working with the existing client base and accounting team, the Collection Specialist will arrange, monitor, and guarantee accurate account balancing. This position is an entry-level position. The position may participate in weekly team training.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED.
One to two (1-2) years experience in accounting or customer service field.
Must have excellent computer skills, including advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and proficiency in other Microsoft Office applications.
Organization skills with ability to manage multiple assignments and tasks, including attention to details, and the ability to prioritize in a changing environment.
Ability to read and interpret documents written in English such as manuals, procedures, work instructions, and timesheets. Ability to effectively communicate well with customers and coworkers.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Exceptional problem-solving abilities.
Ability to meet deadlines.
Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
Ability to exercise independent judgment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Accounting/business experience, dealing with a fast-paced B2B collections environment in a service-based industry.
Experience with Great Plains software.
Experience with process improvement teams.

Responsibilities

Contact customers to obtain payment (check, credit card, ACH) on delinquent invoices (min 30 outgoing calls/day and/or 150 calls/week).
Enter detailed collection notes into collections software programs.
Prepare and send an applicable series collection letter to clients.
Ensure timely email notification to Manager and applicable management when client payment issues arise (i.e. disputes, payment refusal, and bankruptcy) and assist with a prompt resolution. Report unresolved issues at monthly AR meetings.
Complete and submit adjustment forms, including the monthly recurring bankruptcy and write-off lists that are sent to the Accounting Manager.
Recommend to manager accounts that are to be sent to a third-party collection agency. and document all activity in applicable software applications (i.e. Collections Program, Great Plains, tracking log).
Send invoice copies to clients upon request.
Respond to operational service requests for any accounts on the Hold List report.
Host and lead monthly AR meetings and report progress on collections by account.
Manage and process destroy notices. Secure and safeguard documentation.
Responsible for updating expired/denied credit cards and NSF follow-up.
Review and provide collectability estimates/comments on the over 90 aging for bad debt reserve review purposes (minimum 2 per year).
Must follow all confidentiality rules regarding customer information.
Assist with client inquiries and answer client questions regarding payment history/balance, account updates (email address changes), and customer service issues.
Address client issues such as misapplied payments, short payments, bankruptcy, and declined credit cards.
Use a high level of professionalism in verbal and e-mail communication, always seeking to be helpful, focusing on problem-solving, and arriving at a win-win interaction.
Build solid relationships with clients by providing excellent customer service.
Handle customer complaints in a timely manner and escalate any pertinent matters to their Manager.
Promote Corodata’s Mission and Vision Statements.
Participate in process improvement projects as needed.
All other duties as assigned based on business needs.
Participate in ongoing training and may assist with training of new employees through cross-functional collaboration between departments/locations.
Participate in Six Sigma projects, as required to improve processes and efficiencies.
Continuously promotes compliance with company policies and procedures.
Ensure the highest standards of safety, productivity and customer service are exceedingly daily.