Account Collectors or simply called collectors are those who manage and keep track of overdue accounts and collect payment for it. They collect and receive payments, update customer accounts, record information on accounts, locate and notify customers through mail, phone, or personal visits, advice or persuade customers to pay, perform administrative functions for assigned accounts, negotiate credit extensions, and more. Account collectors use automated systems to manage and keep track of customer accounts. They also use these systems to communicate with customers but they may also use regular telephones.
The two fastest growing industries in need of account collectors are hospitals and offices of physicians. Government agencies are also always in need of collectors to collect past-due taxes and other fees. Account collectors are usually more successful in getting people to fulfill their debts when the economy is good.
An aspiring account collector needs to be proficient in clerical procedures, communication both oral and written, customer service, and accounting. He or she must also be good in listening, time management, decision making, critical thinking, deductive reasoning, interaction with computers, organization, and processing information. When it comes to education, most account collectors are required to have at least a high school diploma but those who have completed college or who have experience in other occupations related to people are preferred by most companies and agencies.
Account collectors earned around $13.20 hourly in 2004. Aside from basic rate of pay, account collectors can earn more on commissions based on the amount of debt they recover.