"Collections Specialist"

The Collections Specialist develops and maintains a program that reduces defaulted student accounts write-off costs by focusing on earlier identification and intervention of "at risk" accounts prior to the start of the collection process. Contacts students to explain Commonwealth of Virginia collection procedures and refers students, when applicable, to other departments for assistance; works independently and makes decisions that impact collections within university policies; provides a central point of communication for collection agencies, loan services, and internal staff; performs various reconciliations as directed; and supports daily, weekly, and monthly operations.

• Performs collection efforts via telephone and email focusing on "at risk" accounts prior to the start of the formal collection process;
• Assists students with past due accounts, explaining Commonwealth of Virginia collection procedures and counseling them on steps to resolve past due accounts;
• Prepares documentation for submission to third-party collection agencies and the Office of the Attorney General - Division of Debt;
• Supports the university's participation in the Commonwealth of Virginia's Debt Set-Off Program with the Department of Taxation;
• Acts as a central point of communication for collection agencies, loan servicers, and internal staff on collections matters; and
• Assists other Student Accounts Office staff with cash receipt processing, account maintenance, form intake and processing, report review and processing, and other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; Experience working in Accounts Receivable; Knowledge and understanding of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FERPA, and Account Receivable applications; Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with people at a variety of competency levels; Skills in written and oral communication, with the ability to effectively communicate complex material; Analytical and problem-solving skills; Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, and email systems; and Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, concurrent high-priority responsibilities in a time-pressured environment.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in related field; Experience in higher education and/or Student Accounts; and Detailed understanding of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FERPA, and Accounts Receivable applications.