Collections Specialist

K Square Recruitment Group; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic recruitment agency seeks an experienced Collections Specialist in Cape Town to manage arrears proactively. The role involves extensive interaction with clients and legal entities, focusing on tailored solutions for debt recovery. Candidates should have a solid background in secured lending and a strong understanding of the National Credit Act. The position requires excellent negotiation skills and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on collections experience in secured lending or home loans.
• Strong understanding of the National Credit Act, legal recovery procedures, and debt review.
• Capable of operating effectively in high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Monitor due payments daily and contact clients for non-payment immediately.
• Prepare and issue Section notices and liaise with attorneys on legal actions.
• Negotiate repayment arrangements based on affordability and risk assessment.

Skills

Proactive arrears management

Excellent negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Emotional intelligence

Education

Grade 12 (Matric)

Credit Management Diploma / Degree

Tools

MS Excel

MS Word

Job description

Our client is seeking an energetic, dynamic, and results-driven Collections Specialist to join our team.

This pivotal role demands a professional who thrives in a high-pressure environment and is capable of proactive arrears management, problem-solving, and decisive action on all default accounts.

The ideal candidate will take ownership of each account, identifying the root cause of non-payment, assessing repayment risk, and developing tailored solutions to secure timely and sustainable recovery. This is not a credit control or customer service position.

We require an experienced, assertive collector with extensive exposure to secured lending or home-loan collections, who can operate effectively in both soft and legal collections environments. Experience in home-loan or property-based collections will be a distinct advantage. The role requires a professional with deep understanding of the National Credit Act, legal collection processes, debt review procedures, and the ability to liaise with attorneys, sheriffs, and debt counsellors.

A confident, persuasive, and solution-focused communicator is essential.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Proactive Arrear Management & Same-Day Follow-Up: Monitor all due payments daily and take immediate action where funds are not received. Contact clients on the same day to establish reasons for non-payment and secure corrective commitments. Record all outcomes and update system notes comprehensively.
• Root Cause Analysis & Risk Assessment: Identify financial distress patterns early and propose proactive restructuring or intervention strategies.
• Default & Legal Process Management: Prepare and issue Section notices, liaise with attorneys on legal handovers, and ensure all required documentation is filed accurately. Track progress of legal actions (e.g., judgments, evictions, sheriff returns) and report status updates to management.
• Negotiation & Client Engagement: Negotiate robust repayment arrangements based on affordability and risk assessment. Communicate clearly and firmly with clients, maintaining professionalism and empathy while achieving results.
• Financial Verification: Verify income and employment status when assessing payment capacity. Liaise with HR/payroll departments to implement or confirm payroll deductions.
• Claims & Settlements: Process retrenchment, disability, or death claims efficiently and monitor for finalisation. Prepare settlement quotes and ensure prompt follow‑up to recover outstanding balances.
• Reporting & Accountability: Maintain accurate arrears reports and provide daily and month‑end feedback on collection progress. Highlight high‑risk accounts and recommend escalation or legal action where required.

REQUIREMENTS AND SKILLS

• Education: Grade 12 (Matric) essential. A related Credit Management Diploma / Degree will be a strong advantage.
• Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of hands‑on collections experience (secured lending or home loans preferred). Proven success in high‑pressure collections, arrears recovery, and negotiation.
• Technical & Legal Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of the National Credit Act, Debt Review, and legal recovery procedures. Proficient in reviewing credit bureau reports and identifying repayment risks.
• Advanced MS Excel and Word proficiency.
• Attributes: Highly assertive, confident communicator with excellent negotiation skills. Analytical and solutions‑driven; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Resilient under pressure, target‑oriented, results‑driven. Professional, ethical, and empathetic approach to clients while safeguarding company interests.

Please note: Only candidates who meet the above criteria will be considered. If you do not meet these requirements, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Assess the client's capacity and intent to pay through direct engagement, documentation review, and credit analysis.

Job Types: Full‑time, Permanent. Pay: R

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape. Work Location: In person.