Collections Specialist I

Covenant Logisitcs; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) Match

Telemedicine

Paid Time Off

Holiday Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Covenant Logistics in Chattanooga, TN is seeking a Collections Specialist I to monitor incoming payments, update databases, and maintain accurate records. You will collaborate with multiple departments to resolve issues and ensure on-time collections, while supporting the Credit & Collections team.

The role emphasizes meticulous data entry, effective communication with customers, and timely responses to inquiries, with health benefits and competitive compensation described in the posting.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in accounting, finance or similar field required; 1 year per year of education may be substituted.
• Higher education a plus; transportation/logistics experience preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience in customer service; TMW, Great Plains, AS400 experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and collect a minimum of $10M to $30M receivables.
• Research short pays daily or weekly using balance due reports and remittances.
• Maintain payment databases and spreadsheets across collections software and TMS.
• Communicate with customers to request payment and arrange payment plans.
• Update customer accounts with payments or contact information in systems.
• Handle customer disputes and propose adjustments.
• Respond to customer requests within 24 hours of receipt.
• Assist Credit & Collections Manager as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Goal oriented

Prioritization

Deductive reasoning

Communication skills

MS Office

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Associate degree in accounting/finance

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The Collections Specialist I monitors incoming payments by properly tracking them into the system to maintain accurate records. This position will also maintain department databases and spreadsheets to insure accurate and on time collections are received and processed.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for managing and collecting a minimum of $10 million of receivables up to $30 million maximum.
• Responsible for timely collections of smaller customer accounts with a medium difficulty ranking
• Researching short pays daily or at bare minimum weekly by running a balance due report and looking at remittances and invoices and work with other departments on miles, rates, fuel, and accessorials and customer to resolve.
• Maintain payment databases and spreadsheets-updating information as needed. This includes collections and accounting software, spreadsheets, and Transportation Management Systems.
• Communicate with customers to request payment and arrange payment plans based on collections software workflow and collection strategies.
• Collect payment information from customers and accurately record it into collections software.
• Update customer accounts in collections and accounting software, spreadsheets, and Transportation Management Systems based on payment or contact information.
• Handle customer disputes in order to confirm valid charges or propose adjustments.
• Calls and/or correspondence with customers based on the workflow created within collections software.
• Accountable for reducing delinquency for assigned accounts and providing detailed updates for those accounts on a weekly basis.
• Perform other assigned tasks and duties necessary to support the department.
• Enlist the efforts of sales, operations, billing and other departments when necessary.
• Communicate effectively with team members and other departments to resolve customer issues and keep customer accounts current with up-to-date information.
• Research and resolve paperwork, billing, and collections issues as they arise.
• Respond to customer requests within 24 hours of receipt.
• Assist Credit & Collections Manager as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail.
• Goal oriented.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Ability to employ deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Strong time management skills.

Education/Experience

• Associate’s degree in accounting, Finance or similar field required. 1 year of relevant work experience may be substituted for each year of education required.
• Higher education a plus.
• Preferred: Transportation, Logistics, and/or Supply Chain experience.
• TMW, Great Plains, and/or AS400 experience preferred. 3+ years’ experience in Customer Service.

Competitive Compensation

We believe in rewarding excellence. Our compensation approach balances market-based salary ranges with individual performance, experience, and tenure ensuring your pay is fair, competitive, and aligned with your growth. The posted range reflects the full pay band for the position. The expected pay range below represents where most candidates are hired, based on experience, skills, and internal equity. Candidates with more extensive or highly relevant experience may be considered toward the higher end of the overall pay band.

• Expected Pay Range: $15.69-$16.80
• Full Pay Range: $15.69-$22.04
• Pay Grade: 3
• 401(k) Match: Build your future with our generous company match.
• Serious Health Condition Pay: Financial protection when it matters most.

Robust Health & Wellness Benefits

Your well-being is our priority. Our full health benefits package is designed to support every aspect of your health—from preventive care to peace of mind:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Telemedicine Access
• Company-Paid Short & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance

Time to Recharge

We believe rest fuels results. Our time-off benefits help you maintain balance and bring your best self to work:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Company Holidays
• Time off to Volunteer

Culture-Driven Perks

We’ve created a workplace culture where people feel empowered, supported, and excited to grow. Our corporate perks are designed to elevate your everyday:

• Casual Dress Code: Dress for your day.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Advance your education with financial support.
• Employee Discount Program: Exclusive savings on everyday essentials and more.
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DFSA)
• Adoption Assistance: Meaningful support for growing families.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential, 24/7 support for life’s challenges.
• Pet Insurance: To protect your furry family members

Covenant Logistics is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Disability/Veteran

VEVRAA Federal Contractor

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.