Collection Associate Job Description Template
We are seeking a committed collection associate to assist our company with the recovery of outstanding payments. In this role, your duties will include communicating with debtors via telephone, negotiating payment settlements with debtors, and sending statements of delinquency to the Credit Bureau.
To ensure success as a collection associate, you should demonstrate knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and experience in a similar role. A top-notch collection associate will be someone who can enact debt recovery plans and mitigate losses.
Collection Associate Responsibilities:
- Collaborating on debt collection strategies with other departments.
- Enacting debt recovery plans that adhere to the FDCPA.
- Contacting debtors by telephone to negotiate debt recovery.
- Preventing recurring delinquency by negotiating manageable debt payment plans.
- Negotiating settlements to recover a maximum percentage of outstanding debt.
- Keeping hard copy and electronic records of all documents, payment plans, and amounts paid.
- Researching publicly available resources to track down defaulters, including credit bureau information, databases, loan documents, and background checks.
- Sending statements of delinquency to the Credit Bureau and initiating legal proceedings if debt recovery fails.
- Purging records where debts have been satisfied.
Collection Associate Requirements:
- Debt collection certification or training in a similar role preferred.
- A minimum of 2 years experience in a sales or customer service role.
- Previous experience in debt collection will be advantageous.
- Proficiency in debt collection software, such as Collect! and ezyCollect.
- Advanced knowledge of the FDCPA.
- Extensive experience in developing and enacting debt recovery strategies.
- Experience in locating defaulters by searching publicly available documents and databases.
- Exceptional ability to negotiate debt recovery with debtors.
- Ability to perform debt collection in collaboration with other stakeholders.
- Excellent recordkeeping and interpersonal skills.
FAQ's
- A Collection Associate is responsible for contacting customers who have overdue accounts and working to collect payments or negotiate payment arrangements. They may also handle inquiries related to billing, resolve disputes, and update customer records.
- Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, although some employers may prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Strong communication skills, negotiation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work with financial software are important qualifications.
- Important skills for Collection Associates include excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, strong negotiation skills, empathy and patience when dealing with customers, attention to detail, time management skills, and proficiency in using collection software and tools.
- Challenges can include dealing with difficult or upset customers, navigating complex billing or payment issues, meeting collection targets or deadlines, handling high call volumes, and staying up-to-date with relevant regulations and compliance requirements.