Collections Specialist

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 129 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.
• Experience liaising with attorneys, sheriffs, and debt counsellors on default cases.

Technical & Legal Knowledge:

• Strong working knowledge of the National Credit Act, Debt Review, and legal recovery procedures.
• Competent 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, and 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: R250 000,00 - R300 000,00 per year

Application Question(s):

• Strong working knowledge of the National Credit Act, Debt Review, and legal recovery procedures.
• 3–5 years of hands-on collections experience (secured lending or home loans preferred).
• Solid understanding and practical application of the National Credit Act and all relevant debt collection legislation pertaining to credit risk and collection processes.

Education:

• High School (matric) (Required)

Location:

• Cape Town, Western Cape (Required)

Work Location: In person