Senior Collections Specialist
Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
Position Summary
The Senior Collection Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health of Morehouse School of Medicine. This includes managing and resolving complex outstanding receivables across various revenue streams, with a primary focus on federal grants, student accounts within an academic medical school environment. This position requires a high level of expertise in collections best practices, regulatory compliance, and exceptional problem‑solving and communication skills. The Senior Collection Specialist will be responsible for a specialized portfolio, investigating root causes of non‑payment, negotiating resolutions, and contributing to process improvements.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Experience: Minimum 5‑7 years of progressive experience in collections, with a significant portion in higher education, healthcare, or grant‑funded environment. Demonstrated experience specifically with federal grant collections is highly preferred.
Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in enterprise accounting/ERP systems (e.g., Workday and Banner). Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis).
Knowledge & Compliance: In‑depth understanding of GAAP. Expertise in federal regulations, particularly Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Knowledge of FERPA and HIPAA. Understanding of state and federal collection laws.
Core Competencies: Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Strong negotiation and persuasion skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. High level of attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and composure. Customer‑service oriented approach.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in an academic medical center setting.
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist, Certified Collection Professional).
Knowledge of specific federal agency grant reporting and closeout processes (e.g., NIH, NSF).
Description of Job Duty
Federal Grant Collections & Compliance: Manage a portfolio of outstanding federal grant receivables, including direct billings and reimbursements. Proactively follow up with federal agencies, subrecipients, and internal Grants & Contracts departments to resolve payment delays and discrepancies. Interpret and apply federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), related to grant closeouts, allowability of costs, and collections. Collaborate with Principal Investigators and Grants & Contracts staff to reconcile grant accounts and ensure proper documentation for collection efforts.
Student Account Collections: Oversee the collection of delinquent tuition, fees, and other student‑related receivables. Communicate effectively with students, parents, and internal departments (e.g., Financial Aid, Registrar) to resolve account issues and establish payment plans. Ensure compliance with FERPA regulations when handling student financial information.
Account Reconciliation & Problem Resolution: Conduct in‑depth analysis of aging reports to identify trends, potential issues, and prioritize collection efforts. Investigate and resolve complex billing, coding, or payment application discrepancies. Perform detailed account reconciliations to ensure accuracy of balances.
Communication & Negotiation: Initiate professional and persistent contact with debtors (federal agencies, students) via phone, email, and written correspondence. Negotiate payment arrangements and settlements in accordance with university policies and regulatory guidelines. Document all communication and collection activities thoroughly and accurately in the relevant systems.
Process Improvement & Training: Identify opportunities to streamline collection processes, improve efficiency, and reduce outstanding receivables. Assist in the development, documentation, and implementation of new collection policies and procedures. Mentor and provide guidance to junior collection specialists, sharing expertise and best practices.
Reporting & Analysis: Prepare regular reports on collection activities, aging, and recovery rates for management review. Provide insights and recommendations based on collection data to inform financial strategy.
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Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field required.
Experience: Minimum 5‑7 years of progressive experience in collections, with a significant portion in higher education, healthcare, or grant‑funded environment. Demonstrated experience specifically with federal grant collections is highly preferred.
Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in enterprise accounting/ERP systems (e.g., Workday and Banner). Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis).
Knowledge & Compliance: In‑depth understanding of GAAP. Expertise in federal regulations, particularly Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200). Knowledge of FERPA and HIPAA. Understanding of state and federal collection laws.
Core Competencies: Exceptional analytical and problem‑solving abilities. Strong negotiation and persuasion skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. High level of attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to maintain professionalism and composure. Customer‑service oriented approach.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in an academic medical center setting.
Relevant professional certifications (e.g., Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist, Certified Collection Professional).
Knowledge of specific federal agency grant reporting and closeout processes (e.g., NIH, NSF).
Description of Job Duty
Federal Grant Collections & Compliance: Manage a portfolio of outstanding federal grant receivables, including direct billings and reimbursements. Proactively follow up with federal agencies, subrecipients, and internal Grants & Contracts departments to resolve payment delays and discrepancies. Interpret and apply federal regulations, including Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), related to grant closeouts, allowability of costs, and collections. Collaborate with Principal Investigators and Grants & Contracts staff to reconcile grant accounts and ensure proper documentation for collection efforts.
Student Account Collections: Oversee the collection of delinquent tuition, fees, and other student‑related receivables. Communicate effectively with students, parents, and internal departments (e.g., Financial Aid, Registrar) to resolve account issues and establish payment plans. Ensure compliance with FERPA regulations when handling student financial information.
Account Reconciliation & Problem Resolution: Conduct in‑depth analysis of aging reports to identify trends, potential issues, and prioritize collection efforts. Investigate and resolve complex billing, coding, or payment application discrepancies. Perform detailed account reconciliations to ensure accuracy of balances.
Communication & Negotiation: Initiate professional and persistent contact with debtors (federal agencies, students) via phone, email, and written correspondence. Negotiate payment arrangements and settlements in accordance with university policies and regulatory guidelines. Document all communication and collection activities thoroughly and accurately in the relevant systems.
Process Improvement & Training: Identify opportunities to streamline collection processes, improve efficiency, and reduce outstanding receivables. Assist in the development, documentation, and implementation of new collection policies and procedures. Mentor and provide guidance to junior collection specialists, sharing expertise and best practices.
Reporting & Analysis: Prepare regular reports on collection activities, aging, and recovery rates for management review. Provide insights and recommendations based on collection data to inform financial strategy.
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