Collections Specialist

Job Overview

As a Collections Specialist in Pittsburgh, PA, you'll manage overdue accounts and recover outstanding debts for various clients. It's a role that blends communication with financial follow through, requiring you to contact individuals or businesses who've missed payments. You won't just be dialing numbers; you're negotiating payment plans, clarifying statements, and making judgment calls on when to escalate matters. The work environment tends to be goal oriented but steady; most days have a rhythm built around case queues and scheduled call blocks.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contact account holders by phone, email, or mail to discuss delinquent balances and arrange repayment options. You'll use a scripted approach but adapt based on each person's situation.
• Document every interaction accurately in the collection system. This includes updating contact info, noting promises to pay, and recording any disputes.
• Negotiate payment arrangements that work for both the borrower and the creditor. Sometimes that means partial lump sums; other times it's setting up recurring installments.
• Verify debtor financial information when needed to assess ability to pay; reviewing income details or bank statements without overstepping boundaries.
• Recommend accounts for legal action or third party collections if internal efforts aren't working. This isn't everyday but it happens enough that you need good judgment.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED minimum. Some employers prefer associate degrees or some college coursework in finance, business, or accounting; but not always required.
• One year of experience in credit/collections preferred, though solid customer service backgrounds often qualify if you've handled billing disputes before.
• Sit at a desk 6+ hours daily using multiple monitors plus phone headset equipment.

• The mental part matters too: