Collections Specialist

The Collections Specialist supports Taxing Authority Consulting Services’ Collections department, which performs the collections activities of delinquent tax accounts for Virginia government entities. This role is the face of the Collections Call Center which places and receives phone calls from delinquent taxpayers, sends collection letters, performs skip tracing on delinquent accounts, responds to correspondence, and supports the execution of forced collection actions as authorized by law on behalf of TACS’s clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Call Center: Primarily handles all inbound calls and outbound dialer volume from past due taxpayers.
• Negotiate Payment Plans: Work with debtors to arrange payment plans or settlements.
• Resolve Issues: Address and resolve any disputes or complaints.
• Contact Debtors: Reach out to entities who are past due with overdue payments via phone, email, or letters.
• Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of all communications and payments.
• Monitor Accounts: Track delinquent tax accounts.
• Perform skip-tracking activities to locate and contact debtors.
• Reporting: Provide regular reports on the status of unpaid accounts and collection efforts.
• Adheres to collection practices in compliance with all Virginia and Federal collection laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, and the Fair Credit Reporting Act, as applicable.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Negotiation skills to address payment terms and settlements.
• Knowledge of billing procedures and collection techniques.
• Familiarity with Federal, State, and Local tax laws affecting the collection of real estate, personal property, and business-related taxes.
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications (Excel, Word) and computer skills.
• Basic math skills with attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Strong customer service, and time management skills.
• Ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to handle difficult situations effectively and tactfully.
• Ability to multi-task effectively.

Key Competencies:

• Communication.
• Ethical Practice.

Qualifications:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Work Experience in a call center, customer service, or financial services environment
• Ability to work with a team and independently.
• Basic understanding of applicable state and federal collection laws including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or GED; related coursework in business or related field a plus.
• Experience working in a call center
• Previous experience in collections, billing, or related field is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

This job description is not meant to cover or include all the tasks, duties, and responsibilities the employee may be required to perform.

Job Duties and responsibilities can change at any time, with or without notice.