Collections Specialist

Honolulu-Freight-Service; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Honolulu Freight Service in Seattle is seeking a detail-oriented Collections Specialist to join our Finance team. You will manage assigned accounts, drive timely collections, and help customers resolve payment questions.

You will collaborate with Operations, Sales, Billing, and Cash Applications to improve outcomes, strengthen relationships, and reduce financial risk. This on-site role requires 2+ years in collections and proficiency with accounting software.

Qualifications

• AA degree or equivalent; 2+ years in collections/AR
• Strong understanding of collection processes and laws
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Experience with data processing and accounting software

Responsibilities

• Manage collections process for assigned accounts and ensure timely debt collection
• Communicate with internal/external customers via phone, email, and in-person to resolve payments
• Maintain accurate records of collection activities in financial systems
• Answer customer questions about account problems
• Identify delinquent accounts and prioritize collection efforts
• Coordinate with internal teams to address disputes and satisfaction
• Interact with third-party payment systems and online banking
• Prepare and present reports on collection performance and aging balances
• Adhere to policies and laws governing collections and customer interactions
• Crosstrain on collections processes to ensure coverage

Skills

Collections

Negotiation

Communication

Microsoft Office

Accounting software

Data entry

Confidentiality

Education

AA degree or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Outlook

Accounting software

Job description

Description

We are looking for a detail-oriented, results-driven Collections Specialist to join our Finance team. In this role, you will manage assigned accounts, support timely collection of outstanding balances, and help customers resolve payment and account questions.

You will partner with Operations, Sales, Billing, Cash Application, and other Finance teams to improve collection outcomes, strengthen customer relationships, and reduce financial risk.

This full-time, onsite position is based in Seattle, Washington.

Learn more about our company and what we do here: Honolulu Freight Service

Requirements

• Manage the collections process for assigned accounts, ensuring timely and efficient collection of outstanding debts.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external customers via phone, email, and in-person to resolve payment issues and negotiate payment plans.
• Maintain accurate records of all collection activities, documenting interactions, and outcomes in our financial systems.
• Answer customer questions regarding problems with their accounts.
• Conduct thorough account reviews, identifying delinquent accounts and prioritizing collection efforts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to address disputes and ensure customer satisfaction throughout the collections process.
• Interact with third party payment processing systems and online banking platforms.
• Prepare and present regular reports on collection performance, outstanding balances, provide next step recommendations on aging accounts.
• Adhere to company policies and legal requirements regarding collections and customer interactions.
• Crosstrain on Collections processes and procedures to ensure adequate coverage and efficiency.
• Complete all other tasks and duties assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from a two-year College or technical school; or one-year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of experience in collections, accounts receivable, or related financial role.
• Strong understanding of collection processes and techniques.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to oversee sensitive situations professionally.
• Ability to act and operate independently with minimal daily direction from manager.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a customer service focus.
• Experience with data processing including business accounting applications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook required. Experience with accounting software desired.
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality, have strong business acumen, and practice ethical behavior and conduct.
• Familiarity with credit reporting agencies and collection laws.

Physical Requirements

This role involves extended periods of working at a computer and using a keyboard, mouse, monitor, and printer. The employee may regularly sit, stand, walk, communicate by speaking and listening, use hands to handle objects, and reach with hands and arms, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Note

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Our company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.