Collections Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of VA Careers in Fairfax, VA is seeking a Collections Specialist to reduce defaulted student accounts by early identification and intervention. You will contact students to explain collection procedures and coordinate with agencies, loan services, and staff.

The role supports reconciliations and daily operations within the Student Accounts Office. The position requires a high school diploma and Accounts Receivable experience, with strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working in Accounts Receivable.
• Knowledge of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), FERPA, and Accounts Receivable applications.
• Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, and email systems.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority responsibilities in a time-pressured environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs collection efforts via telephone and email focusing on at-risk accounts before formal collection.
• Assists students with past-due accounts, explains collection procedures, and counsels on steps to resolve accounts.
• Prepares documentation for submission to third-party collection agencies and the Office of the Attorney General - Division of Debt.
• Supports participation in the Commonwealth of Virginia Debt Set-Off Program with the Department of Taxation.
• Acts as a central point of communication for collection agencies, loan servicers, and internal staff on collections matters.
• Assists other Student Accounts Office staff with cash receipt processing, account maintenance, form intake and processing, report review and processing, and related tasks.

Skills

Accounts Receivable experience

Interpersonal skills

Written and verbal communication

Analytical and problem-solving

Microsoft Word/Excel

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Email systems

Job description

Department: Fiscal Services

Classification: Admin Office Specialist 3

Job Category:Classified Staff

Job Type:Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type:On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility:Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band:03

Salary:Salary starting at $50,000, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check:Yes

Financial Background Check:Yes

About the Department:

The Controller's Office establishes and monitors the university’s internal control framework, collaborates with university units to establish fiscal processes, and provides guidance to academic and administrative units related to administrative policies and procedures. It maintains close working relationships with the Office of Budget and Planning, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Human Resources, and Payroll.
The goal of the Controller's Office is to provide excellent customer service and minimize costs through demonstrating consistent progress toward increasing flexibility, reducing administrative burden, eliminating “no value added” efforts, and automating transaction processing.

About the Position:

The Collections Specialist develops and maintains a program that reduces defaulted student accounts write-off costs by focusing on earlier identification and intervention of "at risk" accounts prior to the start of the collection process. Contacts students to explain Commonwealth of Virginia collection procedures and refers students, when applicable, to other departments for assistance; works independently and makes decisions that impact collections within university policies; provides a central point of communication for collection agencies, loan services, and internal staff; performs various reconciliations as directed; and supports daily, weekly, and monthly operations.

Responsibilities:

• Performs collection efforts via telephone and email focusing on “at risk” accounts prior to the start of the formal collection process;
• Assists students with past due accounts, explaining Commonwealth of Virginia collection procedures and counseling them on steps to resolve past due accounts;
• Prepares documentation for submission to third-party collection agencies and the Office of the Attorney General - Division of Debt;
• Supports the university's participation in the Commonwealth of Virginia's Debt Set-Off Program with the Department of Taxation;
• Acts as a central point of communication for collection agencies, loan servicers, and internal staff on collections matters; and
• Assists other Student Accounts Office staff with cash receipt processing, account maintenance, form intake and processing, report review and processing, and other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Experience working in Accounts Receivable;
• Knowledge and understanding of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FERPA, and Account Receivable applications;
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with people at a variety of competency levels;
• Skills in written and oral communication, with the ability to effectively communicate complex material;
• Analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work with Microsoft Word, Excel, and email systems; and
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, concurrent high-priority responsibilities in a time-pressured environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience in higher education and/or Student Accounts; and
• Detailed understanding of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, FERPA, and Accounts Receivable applications.

Posting Open Date:June 10, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by:June 24, 2026

Open Until Filled:Yes