Collections clerk job description

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The collections clerk position is accountable for collecting the maximum amount of overdue funds from customers, which may include a variety of customer location techniques, collection methods, legal claims, and the selective use of outside collection services.

Principal Accountabilities

  1. Stratify collection activities to maximize cash receipts

  2. Issue dunning letters to overdue accounts

  3. Use skip tracing techniques to locate customers

  4. Contact customers regarding overdue accounts and determine reasons for non-payment

  5. Issue payment commitment letters

  6. Negotiate the return of unpaid merchandise

  7. Repossess merchandise when payment is unlikely

  8. Monitor cash on delivery or COD roll payments

  9. Issue credit hold notifications

  10. Coordinate customer credit changes with the credit department

  11. Recommend that accounts be shifted to a collection agency

  12. Process small claims court complaints

  13. Recommend bad debt write-offs

  14. Maintain accurate records about the customer payment status

Related AccountingTools Courses

Credit & Collection Guidebook

Effective Collections

Collections Clerk Experience Requirement

Some collections clerks are extremely skilled in their ability to collect overdue funds from customers, irrespective of how much experience they might have. Nonetheless, it is generally best to look for job candidates who have several years of experience in the position; these people are more likely to understand the collection process and the techniques that are most likely to extract funds from delinquent customers.

Desired Qualifications

Must have experience with an automated telephone dialing system and collections database. Associate's degree in business preferred.  Must be detail oriented, with the ability to work independently.

Physical Requirements

This person must be willing to sit at a desk and work for long periods of time at a computer.

Supervises

None