Collectors
NOC 1435
Description
Collectors collect payments on overdue accounts and bad cheques and locate debtors to make collection arrangements. They are employed by collection agencies, utility companies, department stores, loan companies, banks and credit unions, and by financial and licensing departments within governments.
Duties
- Notify debtors of overdue payments and accounts by telephone, mail, and registered mail, and continue the notification process if reply is not received
- Resolve collection issues by making payment arrangements by telephone or visit to debtor
- Recommend further action or discontinuation of service in cases where payment is not forthcoming
- Trace and locate debtors, and may contact debtors’ friends, neighbours, relatives and employers to obtain information
- Answer correspondence, prepare reports and maintain records and files related to collection work
- May work with on-line accounts and systems.
Other Titles
- locator – collection
- collector
- skip tracer – collection
- credit and collection clerk
- collections investigation officer
- collection clerk
- bill collector
- collection officer (except taxation)
(Government of Canada National Occupation Classification)
Skills
- Verbal communication
- Active listening
- Writing
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Negotiation
- Organization
- Time management
Education/Training Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Completion of secondary school is required
- Most college/university programs in Ontario require an OSSD or Mature Student Status
Post-secondary diploma/degree
- A college diploma in a business program may be required
Certification
- A collections license issued by the Government of Ontario is usually required
Potential Earnings in Durham Region
The average and median wages and salaries for individuals employed as collectors are as follows. Place of Residence (POR) is defined as individuals who reside within the Durham Region. Place of Work (POW) is defined as individuals who are employed within the Durham Region.
| Median Wages and Salaries (POR) | Average Wages and Salaries (POR) | Median Wages and Salaries (POW) | Average Wages and Salaries (POW) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$41,729 |
$38,834 | $45,962 | $44,299 |
Employment Prospects
| Industry (NAICS) | Jobs in Durham Region (POW) | Durham Region Residents Employed (POR) |
|---|---|---|
| 5614 Business support services | 25 | 220 |
| 9120 Provincial and territorial public administration | 75 | 85 |
(Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development 2016 data in Durham Workforce Authority’s 2017 Sector Report)