COLLECTION OFFICER (PROVISIONAL)

An incumbent to a position in this class oversees and supervises all aspects of municipal collection activities, assures the prompt and efficient collection of delinquent accounts and independently performs more difficult and varied tasks in receiving and accounting for revenues.  Work involves frequent public contact through correspondence or by interview and the incumbent must exercise discretion in the proper disposition of accounts.  General supervision is received from the department head or a designee and supervision is exercised over all personnel assigned to the Collections Division. 

Oversees and supervises the preparation of financial statements, evaluations and reports on persons or organizations indebted to the City for delinquent taxes, user fee, accounts receivables including but not limited to demolition costs, rental of city property, city held mortgages, property damage claims, subrogated causes of action, rights under assignment and miscellaneous debts;

Prepares financial statements of debits/credits to subsidiary ledgers and transfer funds for bankruptcy, court orders, In-Rem foreclosures;

Directs staff in the research of payments, remittance of invoices for unpaid balances, receipts and deposit of all monies for delinquent accounts;

Negotiates settlements with insurance adjusters under the guidelines of the Corporation Counsel;

Reviews and approves the preparation of legal documents such as Summons and Complaints, Settlement of Judgment, etc. and initiates post judgment remedies;

Reviews and approves legal documents for In Rem closings including tax forms;

-        ensures closing payments are received and deposited;

-        records deeds;

Oversees and may participate in the investigation and securing of information on residence, employment, earnings, liquid assets, birth dates, policy records and ownership of real property;

Oversees and may make field investigations to legal enforcement agencies, employers, residences or business organizations to develop and verify information;

Oversees the destruction of records in accordance with the NYS Guidelines of Retention of Records;

Prepares and maintains files, reports and correspondence;

Trains subordinates in the performance of duties;

Appears in Court as an expert witness;

Performs related work as required.

Promotional

Continuous and permanent status in the Department of Administration, Finance, Policy and Urban Affairs as an Assistant Collection Officer for one year.

OR

Continuous and permanent status in the Department of Administration, Finance, Policy and Urban Affairs as an Junior Collection Officer for three years.

 

Open Competitive

(A) Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and two years of supervisory experience in the field of credit or collection work;

OR

(B) Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university and three years of full-time experience in the field of credit or collection work, one year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity;

OR

(C) An equivalent combination as defined within the limits of (A) and (B).

 

NOTE:   Verifiable part-time experience will be pro-rated to meet full-time experience

               requirements.

             (Proof of education must be presented at time of appointment.)

THE CITY OF BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORUNITY EMPLOYER

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and techniques of credit rating and collections;
Thorough knowledge of methods used in preparing, maintaining and checking financial records and reports;
Administrative supervision;
Ability to interpret and apply laws, ordinances, regulations and policies related to municipal collections;
Ability to gather, consolidate and analyze facts and draw conclusions;
Ability to present data, reports and comments clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
Ability to utilize established financial systems;
Ability to plan, coordinate and review the work of others;
Ability to train others;
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public;
Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
Ability to perform duties under sometimes stressful conditions;
High degree of accuracy; tact; resourcefulness;
Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.