Overview

The Collections Specialist is responsible for monitoring accounts to identify overdue payments, contacting all deliquent accounts within the SMFL portfolio, issuing Demand and Default Notices as needed, keeping accurate records and reporting on collection activity. The Collection Specialist would work closely with the Asset Management, Credit, Accounting and Sales teams on deliquent customers that are seeking assistance via restructuring of their contractual obligations. The Collections Specialist will also assist the Accounting department to reconcile billing issues or payment misapplications. Reports to the Collections Manager. 0 Direct Reports/ 0 Indirect Reports.

Responsibilities

• Reviewing open accounts for collection efforts.

• Making outbound collection calls in a professional manner while keeping and improving customer relations.

• Collect customer payments in accordance with payment due dates.

• Identify issues attributing to account delinquency and discuss the issue with the Asset Manager and the Management (when needed) regarding customers which might need to be placed on suspense or sent to outside collection agency, or the customer that may benefit from payment deferrals or whole term debt restructuring, etc.

• Work closely with the Asset Manager on those accounts that trending towards repossession. 

• Identify issues with billing, pricing, systems, etc. and escalate as needed including assisting the Accounting Department to resolve any billing or payment misapplication issues.

• Maintain and document communication with customers, this includes updating all customer comment logs, drafting and sending all Demand, Default and other Notices to delinquent customers.

• Prepare reports for management.

• Work with other departments to ensure that client/customer expectations are being met.

Qualifications

• Highly knowledgeable of all aspects of the leasing business from origination through maturity including repossession/resale/litigation/bankruptcy

• Knowledgeable of lease management systems (Aspire, Sungard Ambit Asset Finance, or similar application systems).

• Strong communication skills with internal and external and both writing and interpersonal. Maintain professional attitude toward the customer, especially in the difficult situation. 

• Need to have strong skill to manage expectations of both internal and external stakeholders and provide a timely response

• Minimum of 5 years collections experience in leasing industry; or 3-4 years collections experience plus 2-4 years combined experience in credit and/or machinery, transportation and equipment appraisal, preferably at a leasing company; or an appropriate combination of education and experience

• Ability to work independently and to adapt to a fast changing environment. 

• Must have attention to details and able to manage complex operations and asset management procedure.

• Ability to multitask and work under pressure under time constraint.

• Advanced Excel Skills 
• Preferred:BA / BS (or equivalent experience)