Collections Team Lead

**ABOUT GOWLING WLG**

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people. As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us. We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered. We are guided by our firm’s Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm’s core values. We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

**PROFILE**

We are looking for a Collections Team Lead to join our Finance team. This position can be located in any of our Canadian offices

**RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Manage the collection requirements for more complex MBP and national clients including initiating collection action through monthly reviews and contacting clients and professionals as required.
- Maintain accurate and up to date client notes in the collection database documenting payment promises, pertinent account details and scheduling follow up with clients and professionals.
- Work with Collection Clerks to identify MBPs and clients requiring escalation or additional support.
- Provides first response in escalation process, striving for expedient and positive outcomes by negotiating settlements and payment plans within outlined parameters before escalating further to Finance Manager, Collections.
- Produce various reports regarding collection efforts, results and clients in arrears, as required.
- Support a positive team culture for Collection Clerks, providing day-to-day guidance, coaching and mentorship. Model best practices, recommend solutions, identify knowledge or skills gaps within team and facilitate training as required.
- Review and handle parent client clean up.
- Processes write offs.
- Assist Cash Receipts team with the allocation of payments as outlined in the cash receipts policy.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- 5+ years experience working with clients in credit and collections, preferably in a professional services environment.
- High School Diploma with 7+ years related work experience; college diploma in accounting or business an asset.
- Knowledge of accounting/collections software and banking procedures; strong knowledge of accounting principles.
- Ability to communicate with Firm members and external clients in a professional manner, providing outstanding service (internal and external).
- Ability to effectively resolve demanding multi-layered situations with good judgement, tact and diplomacy.
- Strong analytical, negotiating and problem-solving skills.
- Strong organizational, time management skills and the ability to prioritize and multi-task to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, ability to effectively motivate, engage and lead team members.
- Computer literacy, including effective working skills of MS Office particularly Word & Excel.
- Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset.

Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.