Collections Specialist

**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 Specialist to join our Firm for a ten (10) month contract

Reporting to the Finance Manager, Collections and working in a team environment, the Collections Specialist will provide overall collection support for Matter Billing Professionals (MBP), including collection of outstanding accounts in an assigned portfolio, assisting with cash receipt allocation, identifying issues and developing solutions for delinquent accounts.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**

Matter Billing Professionals (MBP) Portfolio Collections:

- Manage the collection requirements for assigned MBP including, initiate collection action through monthly review of planned course of action and contacting each client as required.
- Prepare correspondence related to delinquent accounts according to the firm’s collection policy.
- Investigate disputed delinquent account balances and prepare account reconciliations, as required for MBP or clients.
- Produce various reports regarding collection efforts, results, and clients in arrears.
- Maintain accurate and up to date client notes in the collection software; documenting payment promises, pertinent account details and scheduling follow up with clients or MBP.
- Meet with MBP to provide client status updates and discuss any issues/concerns with respect to timeliness of payments.
- Assist Cash Receipts Team with the allocation of payments as outlined in the cash receipts policy.
- Prepare forms as needed (write off, trust, bill cancellations, etc.).

National Client Collections:

- Manage the overall collection of client accounts involving multiple offices and practice groups.
- Maintain accurate and up to date client notes in the collection database documenting payment promises, pertinent account details and scheduling follow up with clients.
- Assist Cash Receipts Team with the allocation of payments by following up with assigned clients.
- Collaborate with peers to ensure appropriate information is being relayed to MBPs as needed.
- Work with MBP and E-Billing Clerks to ensure all invoices are submitted in client payment portal and payment is received within the agreed e-billed client payment terms.
- Prepare forms as needed (write off, trust, bill cancellations, etc.).
- Assist Cash Receipts Team with the allocation of payments as outlined in the cash receipts policy.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Minimum 3 years of experience working with clients in credit and collections, or experience in a professional services environment.
- High School Diploma with 4+ years related work experience; college diploma in accounting or business an asset.
- Knowledge of accounting/collections software and banking procedures; basic knowledge of accounting principles.
- Capacity to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively 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 organizational, time management skills and the ability to prioritize and multi-task to meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- 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.

The starting range for this role is $45,000 to $56,000. Starting salary will be determined based on an applicant’s individual skills, competencies and unique qualifications. Gowling WLG employees have the potential to exceed this range based on tenure and performance.

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