ASSISTANT COLLECTION OFFICER (TEMPORARY)

City of Buffalo; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Buffalo seeks an entry- to mid-level collection assistant to help manage delinquent accounts, process payments, and support revenue accounting. The role requires frequent public contact and adherence to city policies. Immediate supervision is from the Department Head or designee, with potential to supervise clerical staff.

Typical duties include information investigations, preparing financial statements, and assisting in legal processes related to collections and settlements.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree + 1 year full-time credit/collection experience.
• High School diploma + 3 years full-time credit/collection experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by (A) and (B).
• Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time requirements.

Responsibilities

• Investigates residence, employment, earnings, assets, and property ownership for delinquent accounts.
• Makes field checks with employers, residences, and businesses to verify information.
• Prepares financial statements and reports on debts and related city charges.
• Receives, receipts and deposits all monies for delinquent accounts.
• Prepares and maintains files, reports and correspondence; may testify in court.

Skills

Credit collections

Financial records

Public relations

Training & supervision

Oral/written instructions

Attention to detail

Laws & regulations

Education

Associate's Degree

High School Diploma

Equivalent combination

Job description

An incumbent to a position in this class aids and assists in all aspects of municipal collection activities. A position in this class assists in the prompt and efficient collection of delinquent accounts and independently performs more difficult and varied tasks in receiving and accounting for revenues. Work involves frequent public contact through correspondence or by interview and the incumbent must exercise discretion in the proper disposition of these accounts. Immediate supervision is received from the Department Head or a designee and supervision may be exercised over tellers and clerical personnel assigned.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Investigates and secures information of residence, employment, earnings, liquid assets, birth dates, policy records and ownership of real property;
• Makes field investigations to legal enforcement agencies, employers, residences or business organizations to develop and verify information;
• Prepares financial statements, evaluations and reports on persons or organizations indebted to the City for delinquent taxes, user fee, accounts receivables including but not limited to demolition costs, rental of city property, city held mortgages, property damage claims, subrogated causes of action, rights under assignment and miscellaneous debts;
• Negotiates settlements with insurance adjusters under the guidelines of the Corporation Counsel;
• Prepares legal documents such as Summons and Complaints, Settlement of Judgment, etc. and initiates post judgment remedies;
• Researches payments for accurate application to accounts and remits invoices for unpaid balances;
• Receives, receipts and deposits all monies remitted for delinquent accounts;
• Classifies the daily receipts to proper revenue source;
• Prepares statements and destroys records in accordance with the NYS Guidelines of Retention of Records;
• Prepares financial statements of debits/credits to subsidiary ledgers and transfer funds for bankruptcy, court orders, in-rem foreclosures,
• Prepares legal documents for In Rem closings including tax forms;
• - ensures closing payments are received and deposited;
• - records deeds;
• Prepares and maintains files, reports and letters;
• Trains subordinates in the performance of duties;
• May be required to act as a Teller, receiving and receipting of money;
• - maintains accurate control records of all money handled;
• On occasion, may appear in Court as an expert witness;
• Performs related work as required.Promotional,
• Continuous and permanent status in the Department of Administration, Finance and Urban Affairs as a Teller or Junior Collection Officer for one year.

Open Competitive

• (A) Associate's Degree from an accredited college, university or business institute and one year of full-time experience in the field of credit or collection work;
• OR,
• (B) Graduation from High School, GED or Equivalency Diploma and three years of full-time experience in the field of credit or collection work;
• OR,
• (C) An equivalent combination as defined within the limits of (A) and (B).
• NOTE: Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience, requirements. (Proof of education must be presented at time of appointment.),

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good knowledge of the methods, procedures and techniques of credit rating and collections;
• Good knowledge of methods used in preparing, maintaining and checking financial records and reports;
• Ability to collect current and delinquent accounts;
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, ordinances, regulations and policies as to effect prompt payments of delinquent accounts;
• Ability to utilize established financial systems;
• Ability to train and supervise the work of others;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public;
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
• Ability to perform duties under sometimes stressful conditions;
• High degree of accuracy; tact; resourcefulness;
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.