Collections Specialist

The Collections Specialist is responsible for managing accounts receivable collections efforts, evaluating customer creditworthiness, maintaining account documentation, and supporting the overall financial health of the organization. This role works closely with customers and internal teams to resolve payment issues, reduce delinquency, and ensure timely payment of outstanding balances.

At Les Olson IT, we believe that successful collections are about more than recovering payment. Our guiding principle is: "Our goal is to collect a debt and keep a customer."

We are looking for a customer-focused Collections Specialist who can balance firm collection practices with exceptional service and relationship management. This position is an individual contributor role responsible for managing customer accounts, supporting credit and collections activities, and helping minimize company risk while maintaining positive customer relationships.

Collections Management

• Manage collection efforts for accounts that are 30 to 90 days past due.
• Contact customers by phone, email, and other approved methods regarding payment status.
• Provide invoices, statements, and account information as requested.
• Research and resolve billing or payment discrepancies that may delay payment.
• Explore and negotiate appropriate repayment arrangements with customers experiencing payment challenges.
• Follow up on payment commitments and repayment plans.
• Communicate with customers whose payment methods have been declined or rejected.
• Escalate collection concerns and accounts requiring additional action as appropriate.
• With supervisory guidance, assist in managing accounts that are 90+ days past due.

Credit Administration

• Assess customer creditworthiness by reviewing credit information and payment history.
• Support credit approval processes for new and existing customers.
• Establish and maintain customer credit limits in accordance with company guidelines.
• Perform credit checks and document findings.

Risk Management

• Identify accounts that present elevated credit risk.
• Monitor account trends and recommend actions to reduce exposure to bad debt.
• Assist in maintaining collection and risk management metrics.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and organized account records and collection notes.
• Document customer communications, payment arrangements, and account activity.
• Analyze collection activity and account status information.
• Prepare reports related to collections performance and accounts receivable aging.

Customer Service

• Deliver professional and courteous service while resolving account concerns.
• Build and maintain positive customer relationships throughout the collections process.
• Collaborate with internal departments to address customer issues and support account resolution.
• Support customer reimbursement processes when necessary and authorized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in commercial collections, accounts receivable, credit, customer service, or a related field.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and priorities effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Excel and Outlook.

Preferred

• Experience with business-to-business (B2B) collections.
• Experience reviewing credit applications and establishing credit limits.
• Familiarity with ERP or accounting systems.
• Experience working in the technology, office equipment, or service industry.