Collections Specialist

The Role

The Collections Specialist / Senior Collections Specialist will support YA's accounts receivable collection efforts by managing customer portfolios, performing proactive follow-up on outstanding balances, resolving payment issues, documenting collection activities, and partnering with internal and external stakeholders to support timely cash collections and aging reduction. This role works closely with customers, insurance carriers, attorneys, operations teams, and finance partners to maintain accurate receivable records and drive successful collection outcomes. YA is hiring at both the Collections Specialist and Senior Collections Specialist levels. Candidates will be considered for the appropriate level based on industry experience, years of experience, complexity of collections portfolios managed, and demonstrated ability to independently resolve collection challenges.

Responsibilities

• Manage complex collection portfolios, including escalated accounts, aged balances, disputed receivables, legal-related accounts, and high-priority insurance carrier receivables.
• Partner with carriers, attorneys, customers, internal finance teams, operations, and leadership to identify payment barriers and drive timely resolution.
• Perform proactive follow-up on outstanding invoices, payment status, portal submissions, claim documentation, and other collection requirements.
• Review account history, billing details, statements of insurance, customer correspondence, and supporting documentation to determine appropriate collection actions.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex customer issues and support resolution of disputes, short payments, unapplied payments, and documentation gaps.
• Absorb and prioritize collection activities, monitor aging trends, and identify accounts requiring management attention or escalation.
• Support team members by sharing best practices, answering process questions, reviewing collection approaches, and helping ensure consistent execution.
• May serve as a team lead and may assume supervisory responsibilities over time, including coaching, workload coordination, performance follow-up, and process compliance.
• Prepare collection updates, account notes, aging commentary, and reporting insights to support management review and month-end reporting.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives related to collections workflows, escalation procedures, reporting, documentation standards, and cash application coordination.

Qualifications

• 2–5+ years of accounts receivable, collections, billing, customer service, or related finance experience.
• Experience collecting on professional services invoices within a project-based organization is strongly preferred, including building consulting, engineering, construction consulting, forensic consulting, architecture, environmental consulting, insurance services, or similar professional services environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate payment issues, resolve disputes, and identify root causes of non-payment.
• Excellent organization, follow-up, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Professional communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with customers, external partners, internal stakeholders, and leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate recordkeeping.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel.
• Experience with ERP or accounting systems such as NetSuite preferred.
• Experience with reporting tools such as Power BI is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to support peers, share knowledge, and help drive accountability within a team environment.