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A Collections Officer liaises with customers to collect payment for overdue accounts. You might work for a financial institution, a utilities company or a range of other organisations. Collections Officers send reminder letters and might follow up with phone communication. You’ll arrange to collect payment, including working out a repayment plan when necessary. You might also initiate legal action if required.
Collections Officers should be able to communicate with people from a range of backgrounds. You’ll need to be able to follow procedures and keep accurate records. It’s important that you display good people skills and have a good understanding of debt collection legislation.
There are 4 courses available for people who want to become a Collections Officer.
Possible job outcomes:
Get a senior role at the bank or credit union with the FNS42022 Certificate IV in Banking Services. This nationally recognised qualification has specialisations in customer services, lending, and mobile banking. The course covers: banking products and services, professional practice in the financial services industry, risk management strategies, using business software applications, leadership, and communication. Enquire now for entry requirements, banking services career outcomes, and training providers near you who offer this qualification..
Average duration: 18 months.
A FNS20120 Certificate II in Financial Services is an entry level qualification perfect for students needing foundational skills and knowledge for a financial services workplace. Students learn the legislation, procedures and guidelines essential to the industry; and graduate work-ready, with communication skills suitable for any financial services organisation. The FNS20120 Certificate II in Financial Services is a nationally recognised training qualification and part of the official Financial Services Training Package..
Average duration: 12 months.
Get a job in the accounts or payroll department with the FNS30122 Certificate III in Financial Services. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to work within a compliance framework, collecting and recording data, then maintaining financial records. The course covers: organising workplace information, purchasing goods and services, working with spreadsheets, producing business documents, processing accounts and payroll data. Enquire now for the full list of study units, financial services career outcomes, and enrolment opportunities near you..
Become a qualified debt collector with the FNS30420 Certificate III in Mercantile Agents. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to work in the Australian financial services industry, locating individuals and collecting debts. During your studies you’ll be learning the mercantile and credit laws in Australia and your capacity to manage and recover bad debts, monitor and control accounts receivable, repossess property, serve legal documents, and undertake legal action. At the same time you’ll develop a range of soft skills in conflict negotiation, difficult conversations, and managing individuals who are in hardship. Enquire now for entry requirements, debt collection competencies, and upcoming enrolment dates. PLEASE NOTE: licensing for debt collectors is different in each Australian state and territory, please check the licensing requirements with your local authority when enrolling in this course..
In Australia, a full time Collections Officer generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
The number of people working as a Collections Officer has dropped in recent years. There are currently 6,300 people in this job role in Australia compared to 9,300 five years ago. Collections Officers may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
To become a Collections Officer, consider enrolling in a Certificate III in Mercantile Agents. The course covers the legal issues affecting debt collection and looks at topics including locating debtors and serving a court document for debt recovery. You could also consider a Certificate II or III in Financial Services.
We’ll find nearby campuses and check if you’re eligible for funding in your state.
Here are some potential career pathways within banking and credit services. Click on an occupation to learn more about the role and the qualifications that can help you get started in this industry.
Banking and Credit Services
Bank Teller
$960 weekly pay
Banking Officer
$1,150 weekly pay
Collections Officer
Entry Level Credit Analyst
Personal Banking Advisor
Banker
$1,540 weekly pay
Credit Controller
$1,340 weekly pay
Credit Officer
Finance Broker
$1,350 weekly pay
Finance Specialist
$1,630 weekly pay
Fraud Analyst
$1,400 weekly pay
Lending Officer
$1,250 weekly pay
Loan Administrator
Mortgage Broker
Relationship Manager
$1,730 weekly pay
Settlements Officer
Bank Manager
$2,400 weekly pay
Collections Manager
$1,820 weekly pay
Credit Manager
Credit Specialist
Learn more about Collections Officer courses in your area.