Collection Specialist I - Amerant Bank

Customer contact in reference to collection efforts for all past due consumer loans within federal and state collections laws, as well as corporate guidelines.  Responsibilities include working in conjunction with loan officers, correspondence, report writing and special projects within the Department. 

Responsibilities:

• Contact consumer, residential, home equity and checkline loan customers regarding past due accounts and document collections efforts.  Issue demand letters to those customers who are not able to be contacted via the telephone or have broken promises for payment.
• Prepare loans for charge-off after collection efforts have been exhausted at 90 days past due and review the file.
• After loans have been charged-off, prepare transmittal forms to attorneys, or small claims court with all necessary documentation and follow-up with attorneys/court on recovery status.  Responsible to appear in small claims court representing the Bank.
• Prepare insurance claim forms on accidents, skips and follow-up with our insurance carrier on each case.
• Prepare repossession assignment forms, send to our repossession agency and follow-up with the recovery process.
• After vehicle has been repossessed, prepare proper documentation for vehicle to be transported to public auction for sale thereafter.  Once vehicle has been sold, responsible for sending monies received to loan department for proper handling.
• Reconcile repossession general ledger account.
• Prepare Special Assets Report monthly for assigned Consumer loans
• Supervise the collection efforts on Credit Card accounts. Contacting customers, preparing payment instructions and documenting collection efforts.
• Other assignments as requested.
• Ensure preventive measures are carried out to fully comply with current rules, regulations and internal policies relating to risks pertaining to BSA, USA Patriot Act, OFAC and other AML related issues.
• To identify, evaluate, monitor and make any recommendation deemed necessary to their respective Risk Management Committee in order to assess, reduce, eliminate or control any current or prospective risks to earnings or capital arising from violations of, or nonconformance with, laws, rules regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures or ethical standards. 

Minimum Education and/or Certifications Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED required. Associates degree in business related area preferred. Bachelors in business related area a plus. OR 3 to 5 years direct consumer loan collections experience in lieu of education required.

Minimum Work Experience Requirements:

One to three years’ experience in collections with a strong customer service background required.

Technical and/or Other Essential Knowledge:

In depth knowledge of the Bank’s FIS Core system as it relates to loans and accounts. Knowledge of the legal system and legal terminology.  Knowledge of general accounting terms and practices.  Previous experience with Lotus Notes, Internet and MS Office Skills, including MS Word Advanced, MS Excel Advanced and MS PowerPoint Level II required.