Collections Processor

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 and review telephone and letter correspondence to resolve past due amounts.
• Consult with students, parents, staff and other offices of the University, and outside agencies, in order to resolve problems or answer questions regarding account status.
• Advise and counsel students and/or parents on the resolution of delinquent financial obligations.
• Determine and approve debtor credit worthiness, 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.
• Verify death and bankruptcy claims of students and process proofs of claims.
• Function as a Student Business Services Manager team member sharing information to provide direction for SBS.
• Correspond both orally and through written communication to resolve any Collections A/R issues and information requests with both students and outside agencies.
• Assist in the training of new employees.
• Provide information to both external and internal auditors.
• Design, implement, and assess the effectiveness of A/R including systems enhancements in SBS.
• 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.

A minimum of two years 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.

Previous experience working with outside Collection Agencies is required.

Well developed organizational, reasoning and problem solving skills requiring limited direct supervision is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

Experience working with collection software is desirable.

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

Special Instructions:

N/A