Collections Specialist

Description FLSA Status: Non-exempt Employment Status: Full-time Primary Location: In Office - Seattle, WA Salary Range: $24.00 - $26.00/hr. Job Summary: We are seeking a meticulous and results-driven Collections Specialist to join our finance team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing accounts receivable, ensuring timely collection of outstanding payments, and maintaining excellent relationships with our clients. The role will collaborate closely with Operations, Sales, Billing, Cash Application, and other Finance teams. Your expertise will help streamline our collections process and mitigate financial risks. Requirements Manage the collections process for assigned accounts, ensuring timely and efficient collection of outstanding debts. Communicate effectively with internal and external customers via phone, email, and in-person to resolve payment issues and negotiate payment plans. Maintain accurate records of all collection activities, documenting interactions, and outcomes in our financial systems. Answer customer questions regarding problems with their accounts. Conduct thorough account reviews, identifying delinquent accounts and prioritizing collection efforts. Collaborate with internal teams to address disputes and ensure customer satisfaction throughout the collections process. Interact with third party payment processing systems and online banking platforms. Prepare and present regular reports on collection performance, outstanding balances, provide next step recommendations on aging accounts. Adhere to company policies and legal requirements regarding collections and customer interactions. Crosstrain on Collections processes and procedures to ensure adequate coverage and efficiency. Complete all other tasks and duties assigned. Qualifications and Skills: Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from a two-year College or technical school; or one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 2+ years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, or related financial role. Strong understanding of collection processes and techniques. Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to oversee sensitive situations professionally. Ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction from manager. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer service focus. Experience with data processing including business accounting applications. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Experience with accounting software desired. Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality, have strong business acumen, and practice ethical behavior and conduct. Familiarity with credit reporting agencies and collection laws Physical Requirements : This position will require the ability to sit or stand for extended periods. Use of computer, including a mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and to hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and stand; walk; use hands to hold, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Note: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" relationship. #J-18808-Ljbffr