Collections Specialist

Collections Specialist

WH Burkley is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented collector to join its Creditors' Rights group. The Collector will be responsible for managing and pursuing the collection of outstanding debts on behalf of the firm's creditor clients. This position requires strong communication, negotiation, organization, and problem-solving skills, along with the ability to manage a high volume of accounts while maintaining professionalism and positive client relationships.

The successful candidate will work closely with attorneys, paralegals, and other members of the Creditors' Rights team to facilitate timely and effective debt recovery, resolve outstanding balances, negotiate payment arrangements, and ensure all collection activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and firm procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage an assigned portfolio of delinquent accounts and actively pursue collection efforts to maximize recovery.
• Initiate and maintain contact with debtors through telephone calls, written correspondence, and other approved communication methods.
• Negotiate payment arrangements, settlements, and repayment plans within established client and firm guidelines.
• Monitor payment commitments and follow up on missed or delinquent payments.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all collection activities, communications, payment arrangements, and account updates in the firm's case management system.
• Review account information, payment histories, supporting documentation, and applicable client instructions to determine appropriate collection strategies.
• Identify accounts requiring additional attention, escalation, or potential legal action and communicate recommendations to the appropriate attorney or supervisor.
• Coordinate with attorneys and paralegals regarding accounts requiring litigation, judgment enforcement, garnishment, or other post-judgment collection remedies.
• Respond to debtor inquiries and disputes professionally and appropriately, refer legal questions or issues requiring attorney involvement to the appropriate team member.
• Communicate with clients regarding account status, collection progress, payment activity, and outstanding issues as appropriate.
• Prepare and maintain collection reports, account summaries, and other documentation as requested.
• Identify opportunities to improve collection results, streamline workflows, and enhance overall account management processes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal and state debt collection laws, regulations, client requirements, and firm policies.
• Meet established productivity, collection, quality, and performance expectations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and

Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in collections, sales, accounts receivable, debt recovery, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience in a law firm, creditors' rights practice, financial institution, or commercial collections environment strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with debt collection practices, collection procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with collection software, case management systems, or other account management platforms preferred.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to negotiate effectively and professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of accounts, prioritize competing deadlines, and work independently.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

Core Competencies:

• Communication and Negotiation:
  Ability to communicate effectively with debtors, clients, attorneys, and colleagues while negotiating appropriate payment resolutions.
• Results Orientation:
  Demonstrated commitment to achieving collection goals and maximizing account recovery.
• Organization and Time Management:
  Ability to manage a substantial account portfolio, prioritize activities, and consistently meet deadlines.
• Attention to Detail:
  Ability to maintain accurate account information, documentation, and collection records.
• Professionalism and Judgment:
  Ability to handle difficult conversations, sensitive financial matters, and challenging situations with discretion and sound judgment.
• Accountability:
  Takes ownership of assigned accounts and follows through on collection commitments and…