Description

Collection clerks collect payments on overdue accounts and bad cheques and locate debtors to make collection arrangements. They are employed by collection agencies, utility companies, department stores, loan companies, banks and credit unions, and by financial and licensing departments within governments.

Job Titles

• Bill collector
• Collection clerk
• Collection officer (except taxation)
• Collections investigation officer
• Collector
• Credit and collection clerk
• Locator – collection
• Skip tracer – collection

Main Duties

• Notify debtors of overdue payments and accounts by telephone, mail, and registered mail, and continue the notification process if reply is not received
• Resolve collection issues by making payment arrangements by telephone or visit to debtor
• Recommend further action or discontinuation of service in cases where payment is not forthcoming
• Trace and locate debtors, and may contact debtors’ friends, neighbours, relatives and employers to obtain information
• Answer correspondence, prepare reports and maintain records and files related to collection work
• May work with on-line accounts and systems.

Workplaces

• Banks
• Collection agencies
• Credit unions
• Department stores
• Financial and licensing departments within governments
• Loan companies
• Utility companies

Skills

• Persuading
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Negotiating
• Numeracy

Abilities

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Memorizing
• Near Vision
• Numerical Ability
• Pattern Identification

Personal Attributes

• Analytical Thinking
• Attention to Detail
• Collaboration
• Independence
• Stress Tolerance

Similar Occupations

• Collection supervisor (in 12011.00 Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers)
• Tax collection officer (in 12104.01 Excise tax revenue officers)

Source: OaSIS