Collections Associate

Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel (Hale) is a multi-location, full-service trailer dealership with an immediate opening for a Collections Accounts Associate at its corporate offices in West Berlin, NJ. Hale is an industry-leading, family-friendly company offering a challenging and fulfilling career opportunity with an attractive work/life balance. We offer a competitive salary, excellent medical, vision & dental benefits, paid vacation, short-term and long-term disability and paid life insurance, and matching 401k.

The Collections Accounts Associate plays a critical role in maintaining the financial health of our organization by managing and recovering outstanding customer accounts. This position involves proactive communication with customers to resolve payment issues while preserving positive relationships and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. The Collections Associate will analyze account information, negotiate payment plans, and document all interactions accurately to support the company’s revenue goals. Success in this role directly impacts cash flow and contributes to the overall operational efficiency of the finance department. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented and skilled in conflict resolution to effectively manage sensitive financial discussions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field preferred.
• Proven experience in collections, accounts receivable, or a related financial role within the retail industry.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to handle difficult conversations professionally.
• Basic proficiency with financial software and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel.
• Knowledge of relevant debt collection laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in a retail trade environment or with consumer accounts.
• Familiarity with CRM and collections management software.
• Additional training or certification in credit and collections management.
• Multilingual abilities, particularly in German and English, to support diverse customer interactions.
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation and conflict resolution.

Responsibilities:

• Contact customers via phone, email, or mail to collect outstanding payments and negotiate payment arrangements.
• Review and analyze customer accounts to determine appropriate collection strategies and prioritize accounts based on risk and aging.
• Maintain accurate records of all collection activities and customer interactions in the company’s financial systems.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as sales and customer service to resolve disputes and clarify billing issues.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies related to debt collection.

Skills:

The Collections Associate uses strong communication and interpersonal skills daily to engage with customers and negotiate payment solutions effectively. Analytical skills are essential for reviewing account details and determining the best approach to collections based on customer history and outstanding balances. Proficiency with financial and CRM software enables efficient tracking and documentation of collection activities, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Problem-solving skills help resolve disputes and billing issues in collaboration with other departments. Additionally, knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks guides the associate in conducting collections ethically and within compliance standards.