Title: Collections Specialist

Employee Classification: CS

Pay Grade: CS 06

Division: Business and Finance

Subdivision: Controller

Department: Business and Finance

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

Perform specialized collection-related clerical and customer service activities to resolve delinquent account balances with students, utilizing a variety of prescribed techniques including written correspondence, telephone and personal contact.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Initiate telephone and letter correspondence to resolve past due amounts.
• Assist students, parents, and other University personnel in the resolution of problems and questions with respect to past due amounts.
• Negotiate and monitor payment plans within established guidelines.
• Recommend assignment of accounts to outside collection agencies.
• Prepare collection status reports for use by the University and outside agencies.
• Participate in the record keeping of daily collection operations.
• Coordinate compilation of legal suit requests for University representative and/or attorney.
• Respond to information requests from outside agencies.
• Verify death and bankruptcy claims of students and process proofs of claims.
• Perform other related Departmental duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of basic accounting principles, business correspondence, and automated office systems, with strong skills in written and interpersonal communication, organization and problem solving, typically acquired through the completion of two years of post-high school business-related coursework, is necessary in order to perform collection activities for the University in compliance with State and Federal regulations.

One year of previous collection experience required; preferably in a collection or higher education environment.

Demonstrated ability to negotiate payment arrangements is necessary.

Effective conflict management skills are required (e.g., defuse emotionally charged situations, clearly identify issues, clearly communicate procedures for resolving issues, working with the customer to develop a resolution acceptable to both the customer and the work unit).

The ability to communicate various moderately to highly complex policies, procedures and regulations to ensure understanding of these while working under pressure (e.g., financial aid regulations, university policies, etc.) is required.

Basic personal computing skills to utilize word processing and spreadsheet applications and perform file management functions are necessary.

Knowledge of the University's Red Flags Rule and Identify Theft Prevention Policy and Procedure.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of specific software applications utilized in the area of assignment may be desirable.

Appointment Percentage:

100%