Collections Specialist

Collections Specialist

Join the City of Flagstaff as a Collections Specialist and play a key role in keeping our community's finances strong! In this position, you'll use your problem-solving skills and people-first approach to recover delinquent revenue through phone outreach, letters, payment arrangements, and — when needed — more advanced tools like lien filings and credit agency reporting. You'll dig into account histories, track down key details, and turn tricky situations into resolved accounts, all while delivering top-notch service to Flagstaff residents and coworkers alike. It's a great fit for someone who's detail-oriented, cool under pressure, and energized by variety — no two days (or calls) are quite the same! Bring your accounting or bookkeeping know-how and collections experience, and help make a real difference in how our city serves its community.

Examples of the Work Performed:

• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers
• Performs basic collection methods including making phone calls to customers, sending letters to customers, and sending other applicable customer statements for all types of accounts within the city, including water, sewer, trash, stormwater, library as well as all miscellaneous receivable accounts including airport, cemetery, fire contracts, fire permits, housing, landfill, liquid waste, police, retiree insurance, and small business hazardous waste
• Research vital personal information to ensure accuracy in reporting against customer account, such as skip tracing those who have not met their financial obligations to the city
• Performs advanced collection methods including lien filings, criminal complaints, credit agency reporting, dispute investigation, and payment arrangements
• Performs collections for non-sufficient checks that are not part of another city billing system
• Prepares account lists for credit agency reporting, dispute investigation, and the Debt Set Off Program
• Completes credit balance refunds or balance transfers on closed utility accounts following proper account research procedures
• Assists in preparation of year end write off list
• Performs general customer service administration duties including assisting customers with questions
• Collects, compiles, and analyzes statistical data as related to collection trends
• Complete multiple tasks simultaneously, such as speaking on the phone while documenting conversation electronically
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of college coursework
• Two (2) years of experience in collections, investigative methods and techniques, and electronic billing systems
• Any combination of relevant education and relevant experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

Desired Experience:

• Experience with extensive public contact, both via phone and in person
• Ability to diffuse conflict

Other Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Certification with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) must be obtained within six (6) months of employment
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity

Supplemental Information:

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive work environment. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to work with a committed team making a difference in our community. Located in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, you'll enjoy a unique quality of life with outdoor recreation, stunning scenery and a welcoming community.

Our total compensation package includes best-in-class benefits and an annual salary of $44,678.40 - $55,848.00, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Plus:

• Arizona State Retirement System with 100% Match
• Employees are members of Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) with a mandatory contribution rate of approximately 12%
• Deferred Compensation Options
• Up to 4% Annual Pay for Performance Increase
• Group Insurance including Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flexible & Health Savings Accounts
• 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance
• First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Clinic, Telehealth, Wellness Program & Incentives
• Tobacco Cessation Program
• FOR ASRS POSITIONS: Employer Assistance Program
• FOR PSPRS POSITIONS: Employer Assistance Program - Confidential counseling, including critical incident & peer support
• Recognition including Workiversary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards
• Employee Discounts: Mountain Line Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and Recreation Centers

Please note that Compensation and Benefits are subject to change based on future policy change, budgetary impact, and Council changes.

The City of Flagstaff is looking for team members who are passionate about community, innovation, and quality of life. Come be a part of this cool community and see why the City of Flagstaff is a great place to work!