Collections Specialist

Energize your future by joining our team at Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)! NOVEC's mission is to create value for its members, employees and communities by providing safe, reliable electricity and quality products at competitive prices. NOVEC is a locally owned electric distribution system headquartered in Manassas, VA. NOVEC provides reliable electric service to more than 180,000 homes and businesses in Clarke, Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, the City of Manassas Park, and the Town of Clifton. NOVEC's service reliability is the best in the region with a 99.99% average system reliability. As a leader on the high‑tech frontier, NOVEC is using proven, cost‑effective technology to improve productivity and reliability, reduce expenses, and increase cybersecurity – a national priority. Today’s technology includes what the industry calls "smart grid", as well as fiber optics, and mobile workforce. OVERVIEW Coordinates NOVEC collection efforts with attorneys, staff, and customers regarding past due accounts, bankruptcy court requirements, payment schedules for engineering and construction billings, and residential & commercial service accounts. Assists in the protection and collection of receivables particularly those determined to be at severe risk. This position has a significant amount of discretion in working with debtors, attorneys, and others to complete the tasks assigned to the position. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Other related duties may be assigned. An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and effectively. Reasonable accommodation may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Review accounts pending court action including any payments or arrangements that have been assigned to the collection attorney. Including discussing the viability of continuing action on accounts, recommending what action will be taken, and if settlement is in NOVEC's best interest. Compile, maintain, analyze, control, and/or process collection/payment reports, documentation, and data files communicated with the collection agency. Responsibility for all collection efforts of bankruptcy accounts including meetings with operational leadership to discuss legal requirements for further action. Process payments received from the attorney(s) including calculating adjustments required to consumer accounts for court costs and interest. Request a report of all inactive accounts with a balance due, review, and process monthly a list from this report of accounts to be sent to the leadership. Act as the primary point of contact for collection and provide answers to consumer questions about procedures about their account and any legal action documents they have received. Consolidate and furnish account information requested by the attorney(s) and/or consumers. Analyze and process daily payment reports and correspondence with the collection agencies. Request internal reports on inactive accounts with balances due to review, code, and provide a request for transmittal of these accounts to the collection agencies. Conduct a final review and approve the acknowledgment list of accounts assigned to the collection agencies every month. Process weekly payment report and submit to collection agency. Process and review monthly transfer report and monthly collection report. Review monthly status reports received from each collection agency and calculate and process collection agency commission adjustments on each account. Review collection related invoices for accuracy and provide initial approval before going to management. Advise the agency of new information received on accounts assigned to him for collection. Research and compile account information requested by collection agencies and/or consumers that will aid in negotiating a settlement. Review and balance monthly activity report from collection agency. Each account must be noted that a payment was received from agency. Consult with collection agencies on settlement requests and determine if settlement is in NOVEC's best interest before authorizing. Inform collection agencies of updated account/bankruptcy information on accounts as received for accuracy. Receive and review customer complaints about the collection agencies for legal compliance. Process, review, and monitor payment arrangements made by the customer with collection agencies for completion. Receive and process information received on bankruptcy accounts from the courts. This includes service orders on active accounts; keeping files on all commercial accounts, coding accounts in our software systems with notations of legal proceedings and updating account information as received. Decide on action to be taken to recover the balance owed. Respond to SCC for any information requested. Respond to any subpoena request received. Assists Customer Care Representatives with incoming calls regarding collection matters. Compile, draft, and submit the end of the year Write-Off report to be presented at the Board of Directors meeting. The final write-off report must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. Actively participate as a member of the CIS team to include responsibility for identifying, developing, reviewing, and testing programs and upgrades to determine the action necessary to avoid if that would have an impact on the company's collection efforts. This includes reviewing and determining action needed on any in-house CIS project, i.e., upgrades. Assists in the training of new employees on collections matters, policies, and procedures. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE High school or GED is required. Additional specialized training or some college courses in the area of paralegal or business law is preferred. Collection Management Certificate preferred. 3+ years of related experience including working with the general public, preferably in a legal or bankruptcy-related capacity, in credit, collections, and/or billing environment is required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Demonstrated knowledge of all company policies and procedures as well as all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Demonstrated knowledge of generally accepted basic accounting principles and mathematical skills. Demonstrated fundamental understanding of Virginia bankruptcy law. Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state rules and regulations about credit and collection procedures and Federal Credit Reporting Act. Demonstrated ability to apply the analytical methodology to problem solving and relate theoretical and/or technical concepts to practical applications, including but not limited to the placement of accounts with attorneys or collection agencies. Must be able to maintain work process, workload, working papers, and files organized at all times. Demonstrated proficiency with general computer operation and Microsoft Office applications. Demonstrated ability to function independently in a multi-task environment, as well as part of a team. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with all levels within the organization. Demonstrated ability to anticipate and meet rapidly changing customer and business needs by quickly refocusing and realigning strategic and operational direction. Demonstrated ability to handle all types of communication tools and keep track of all accounts for which the department is responsible. Demonstrated ability to process and handle all payments and adjustments on bad‑debt accounts. Demonstrated ability to consistently and accurately process data and information and carry out assigned responsibilities with minimum supervision. Demonstrated ability to meet multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines. Demonstrated ability to handle and maintain the integrity of sensitive material, confidential business data, and human resources information. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary and Incentive plan Premier health benefits, including an onsite wellness center. Survivor and Disability benefits 401(k) retirement plan with a 4% base salary match and an additional match of your contribution at a rate of 50% up to the first 12% Life insurance Vacation, Sick and Holiday Leave Educational Assistance Annual Company Events If you're ready to take the next step towards advancing your career, apply today! NOVEC is an equal opportunity employer and participates in E-Verify. We do not provide sponsorship for this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr