Collections Specialist

Job description

SUMMARY: Responsible for reviewing aged accounts receivable, analyzing account history and determining proper collection approach to ensure timely collection of accounts receivable. Contacts clients and updates the collections system with details of the calls. Create reports on problematic accounts and provides them to upper management. Work with the client and/or attorney to resolve any disputes or misunderstandings. Works closely with billers to help resolve billing questions. Observes confidentiality of client and firm matters. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  - Proactively and professionally interact with firm clients and billing attorneys to facilitate the timely payment of invoices as well as identify any challenges to the client submitting timely payment  - Review aged accounts receivable, analyze account history and determine proper collection approach to ensure timely collection of accounts receivable  - Contact clients directly via telephone, email and formal letters in accordance with the firm's collection policies and procedures  - Enter and maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date information summarizing all collection related activities in the firm's collection software; schedule and maintain follow ups  - Research and resolve, or initiate the resolution process, for problematic, disputed, and/or past due invoices  - Provide information to firm attorneys regarding status of their client's accounts receivables  Monitor payment arrangements to ensure compliance with payment terms  - Promptly respond to inquiries from clients, attorneys and staff, while maintaining a high level of tact and professionalism  - Prepare reports and analysis on the status of collection matters; provide regular updates to management on these matters  - Recommend write-offs and/or placement with outside collection agencies or law firms when collection efforts have been exhausted  - Assists with the backup of Cash Receipts and their responsibilities on an occasional basis  - Assists Director of Receivables as required. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  - A minimum of 3 to 5 years of related financial experience in a professional services organization; law firm experience preferred  - Working knowledge of credit practices and strong working knowledge of collection techniques  - Proficiency in MS Office; strong knowledge of Excel preferred  - Excellent organizational, interpersonal and communication skills, and ability to work with all levels of personnel within the firm  - Strong writing skills necessary  - Ability to effectively handle telephone calls with tact, diplomacy and professionalism  Highly self-motivated, self-directed and attentive to detail  - Must be able to multi-task  - Must be able to work in a team environment as well as work independently  - Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment  Demonstrated problem-solving skills  - Ability to foster an atmosphere of support, teamwork and effective collaboration WORKING CONDITIONS:  Normal office environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature and the like.  Work occasionally requires more than 37.5 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position. The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities or requirements. Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement: Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran’s status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.