Collections Specialist

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing all outstanding collections. The Collections Specialist seeks overdue payments from customers.

The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean /UCC Global invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the positions of:

Collections Specialist

JOB SUMMARY / CORE FUNCTIONS:  

The incumbent is responsible for overseeing all outstanding collections.  The Collections Specialist seeks overdue payments from customers. He/she will make phone calls, establish rapport with relevant personnel at institutions such as the Ministry of Education, update payment plans and customer records.

RESPONSIBILITIES include (but not limited to) the following:

• Assisting the Director of Finance in the development and administering of collection strategies.
•   Maintaining the collections on outstanding students’ balances record in an attempt to minimize delinquency.
  • Recovering overdue payments and past due accounts by tracking debtors down using the phone, mail/ email or through in person visits.
  • Working with debtors to make payments, negotiate repayment plans, and encourage them to find alternative solutions.
  • Negotiating settlements and arrange student/ other debtor payments over a longer period and confirm information and payment agreements with them.
  • Logging every contact attempt and the outcome of the contact
  • Removing settled debts and deceased individuals from records
  • Updating credit files when debts are satisfied
  • Beginning legal proceedings when debts can’t be settled, by working with the University’s legal counsel.
  • Providing bi-monthly status report to the Finance Director.

The job is satisfactorily performed when the following are achieved:

• The delinquency/ receivables level is reduced. Annual targets to be set by the department manager.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The position will require –

Knowledge

• Research skills to locate customers and track down errors that may have led to inaccurate reporting of debts
• Proficiency with Microsoft office systems.
• Proficiency in the use of database and debt collection software to update records and interpret payment information 

Skills and Abilities

• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills to overcome obstacles to collecting payment
• Written communication skills to keep detailed, simple-to-understand notes about contacts
• Oral communication skills to interact professionally with customers and coworkers
• Customer service skills to handle objections and deal with distressed individuals
• Extensive knowledge of laws related to collections and codes of ethics for Collection Agents
• The ability to remain calm when interacting with upset students and other customers.
• Have the ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to organize and multitask
• Individuals in the field also need to be empathetic.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

• A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in a collections and/or customer service environment.
• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Business Administration or Legal Studies.