A credit/collections officer is responsible for answering inbound calls and making outbound calls to clients who are past due on their accounts. Experience in the credit or banking industry is preferred but not necessary, as it is often an entry-level position. Good communication skills are essential, as the credit/collections officer will be trying to recover company losses by obtaining payments from delinquent clients. The credit/collections officer must be able to handle basic math to set up payment plans based on budget information provided by clients, and must be able to calculate the amount a client can afford to pay each month based on that budget. Good phone manners are required, and the credit/collections officer must be able to speak proper English so that callers can understand what is being said. Other language skills are a plus, as many clients might not speak English as their first language. A credit/collections officer must be able to look over an account history and identify any past problems or potential future problems when setting up payments or discussing a settlement. The employee should be able to respond to caller concerns and difficulties with a sense of empathy and understanding, but should be able to firmly request that each client make his or her due payment or make some arrangements to begin paying off the delinquent account. A credit/collections officer must have a working knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and should adhere to all legal requirements of the FDCPA in contacting clients and those who represent clients.
Credit / Collections Officer Tasks
- Work out terms for payment or initiats other actions as necessary.
- Ensure collections operations function smoothly and effectively.
- Identify and communicate with customers with delinquent accounts by mail, phone, etc.
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