What does a Collection Representative do?
Published 4 min read
A Collection Representative is responsible for contacting customers who have outstanding balances on their account and collecting payments. This may involve negotiating payment plans, issuing reminders, and taking legal action if necessary.
Collection Representative job duties include:
- Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or in person
- Establish contact with customers and perform customer service
- Explain the reason for the delinquency and the options available to the customer
- Receive payment and post to account
- Arrange for debt repayment or establish repayment schedules, based on customer financial situations
- Keep records of collection activity and account status
- Perform skip tracing to locate customers who have moved without providing a forwarding address
- Report customers who refuse to pay to credit agencies
- May file legal documents to begin foreclosure or seizure proceedings
Collection Representative Job Requirements
A Collection Representative is responsible for collecting payments on delinquent accounts. They work with customers to set up payment plans and arrange for payment of overdue bills. Education requirements for this position vary by employer, but many companies require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may also require collection representatives to have post-secondary education, such as an associate's degree in business administration or a related field. Certification is not typically required for collection representatives, but some employers may prefer or require certification from organizations such as the American Collectors Association. Collection representatives typically have at least one year of experience working in customer service or a related field.
Collection Representative Skills
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Active listening
- Problem solving
- Patience
- Persistence
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Research skills
- Negotiation skills
- Sales skills
- Customer service
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How to become a Collection Representative
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a Collection Representative. Perhaps they have a background in customer service and enjoy helping people resolve their financial issues. Maybe they have a strong interest in the legal aspects of collections and enjoy working with the court system. Whatever the reason, becoming a Collection Representative can be a rewarding career.
There are a few things that one must do in order to become a Collection Representative. First, one must obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, they must complete on-the-job training, which is typically provided by the employer. After that, they must obtain a license from the state in which they will be working. Finally, they must pass a background check and drug test.
Once all of these requirements have been met, the individual can then begin their career as a Collection Representative. They will typically work for a collection agency or law firm, assisting clients with their delinquent accounts. They will work with both individuals and businesses to help them resolve their financial issues and get back on track.
Becoming a Collection Representative can be a challenging but rewarding career. Those who are successful in this field are typically those who are patient, persistent, and have excellent people skills. If you have what it takes to become a Collection Representative, then start your career today!
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