Credit & Collections Manager

COMPANY:   Earthlink, Inc. LOCATION:   3000 Columbia House Blvd., WA 98661 STATUS:   Full Time, Employee JOB CATEGORY:   Accounting/Finance/Insurance RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:  5+ to 7 Years CAREER LEVEL: Manager (Manager/Supervisor of Staff) EDUCATION LEVEL:  Bachelor's Degree The New Edge Networks Credit and Collections Manager is responsible for the strategic management of the credit and collections operations for the New Edge Networks line of business.  This position will be responsible for forecasting, measuring and analyzing churn related to non-payment situations, managing the overall bad debt for the NEN LOB, and identifying and implementing an effective credit policy.  This position will also need to effectively manage vendors such as Outside Collections Agencies to ensure maximum recoveries post-write-off. Duties include:  Overseeing the processing of credit applications; approving new account applications and determining appropriate lines of credit; ensuring payment of accounts according to company procedures and protocols; working with staff to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of correspondence and account activities; making sound decisions; communicating professionally; providing useful reporting; and maintaining and protecting confidentiality. Successful employee understands and performs this job within the scope of the New Edge Networks Credit and Collection Policy by following specified processes and procedures. Duties also include, but are not limited to: - Spearhead the development and implementation of effective credit and collections strategies, policies and procedures- Work closely with NEN LIDS Project Coordinator and engage teams / individuals from across the organization to identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies.- Communicating via email and phone with customers to obtain timely payment- Monitoring the payment plans to assure compliance by customers - Analyzing aging reports for past due accounts- Processing Past Due Notices, Disconnect Notices and Final Demand Notices- Identifying and researching short pays, misapplied payments and disputes. Assisting customers in submitting their disputes to the resolution department.- Recommending and processing write offs for bad debt and sending to the OCA each month.- Analyzing data and reports from the OCAs and reporting direct payments. Supplying documentation when requested.- Documenting all account activities in LIDS billing system.- Processing and approving credit applications by analyzing credit reports from major credit reporting agencies to establish new customer, product or service lines of credit by contacting banks and other financial institutions and trade references provided by the customers.- Analyzing reseller credit limits to ensure they remain within the boundary of established line of credit- Supporting research and audit requests from other internal departments- Managing to daily, weekly, and monthly performance goals to ensure standards are met. - Managing staff to ensure functions are maintained and followed within the established policies.- Maintaining sound performance management and career development of direct reports and adhering to company standards for employee reviews- Assisting staff with problem solving and customer disputes- Acting as a liaison with other departments, vendors, agencies, etc., as needed, to jointly resolve problems and customer service issues- Providing strong reporting and analytics to Senior Management and other key members of the ELNK and NEN organizations including analyzing, forecasting and observing trends in involuntary churn and bad debt percentages- Revising Credit & Collection Policy and related forms.- Maintaining credit files- Supporting monthly training for new NEN employees- Meeting with staff on weekly basis- Reporting weekly and monthly results to the A/R and Finance management teams- Supporting ad hoc analysis and research as necessary- Performing other duties and projects as assigned by management SKILLS/EXPERIENCE- Strong demonstrated leadership, management and organizational skills- Experience using Billing software and running credit checks- Advanced skills in Excel, Word and Power Point.- Strong problem solving and analytical skills- Strong process focus – ability to recommend and implement changes in processes to improve efficiency and performance.- Strong metrics focus- Proven results in process design and process improvement- Proven ability to take strategic intent and concepts to create working procedures- Effective written and verbal communication skills.  Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external cross-functional teams- Flexibility to work overtime in order to meet deadlines- Attention to detail is a must- Ability to organize and prioritize workflow in an efficient and effective manner- Strategic thinker, organized, positive, and able to multi-task with little guidance- Ability to work in team environment - Proven motivator and mentor of credit and collections personnel- Ability to thrive and perform well under pressure and meet deadlines- Dependable and enthusiastic with the ability to use good judgment, work independently with minimal direction, and possess a strong initiative and positive attitude  REQUIREMENTS/EDUCATION- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance or equivalent combination of education and experience- Minimum 5 years experience in credit and collections operations environment in managerial position.  Strong knowledge of credit and collections concepts, operations and best practices.- Certified Credit executive (CCE) or other related certification is desirable  OTHER CONSIDERATIONS OR PREFERENCESAll candidates must pass credit as well as reference checks.  OTHER SPECIFICS- Travel: 0 - 25%- Days Employee will work: M-F- Relocation: No- Special Instructions or Considerations: None    Please apply at: http://newedgenetworks.com/about_us/careers/  Why Join New Edge Networks?   Opportunity to make an impact – being a name, not a number, ideas from all levels count Smart people – big brains with cutting edge experiences.  Fast paced environment - if you don’t like what you are doing today, things will change tomorrow Customer focus – knowing our customers and anticipating their needs  At New Edge Networks we believe in giving people the resources to maximize their potential. We do this by enabling businesses nationwide to make the most of their IT investment. We also do it by empowering our employees to expand the boundaries of achievement through innovative solutions and superior customer service.  New Edge is filled with creative, energetic people with a common interest in shaping the future of broadband network technology. Good ideas come from everywhere and everyone in our organization. If you're ready for a fast-paced challenge with the opportunity for growth and the everyday reward of making a difference for our company and our customers, think New Edge.  New Edge is an equal opportunity employer.