Occupation AtlasBill and Account Collectors
O*NET · 43-3011.00
Bill and Account Collectors
Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visit to solicit payment. Duties include receiving payment and posting amount to customer's account, preparing statements to credit department if customer fails to respond, initiating repossession proceedings or service disconnection, and keeping records of collection and status of accounts.
39 more
Bill Collector · Billing Representative · Car Repossessor · Chaser · Claims Collector · Collection Agent · Collection Clerk · Collection Representative · Collection Specialist · Collections Agent · Collections Analyst · Collections Associate · Collections Clerk · Collections Coordinator · Collections Officer · Collections Representative · Collections Specialist · Collector · Credit and Collections Analyst · Credit Coordinator · Credit Specialist · Customer Account Specialist · Data Collector · Debt Collector · Dunner · Field Collector · Installment Agent · Installment Loan Collector · Insurance Collector · Medical Collections Specialist · Medical Collector · Patient Access Specialist · Patient Account Representative · Patient Financial Service Representative · Payment Collector · Rent Collector · Repossession Agent · Repossessor · Telephone Collector
Compare with another occupationCompare with Receptionists and Information Clerks
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional7.00
- E Enterprising4.36
- S Social3.26
- R Realistic2.08
- I Investigative1.00
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (43%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (49%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (61%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- PersuasionImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Service OrientationImportance 3.0Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
- CoordinationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- Active LearningbasicImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- InstructingImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.9Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.3Level —
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
13 core · 2 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Record information about financial status of customers and status of collection efforts.Importance 4.7
- Locate and monitor overdue accounts, using computers and a variety of automated systems.Importance 4.5
- Locate and notify customers of delinquent accounts by mail, telephone, or personal visits to solicit payment.Importance 4.5
- Arrange for debt repayment or establish repayment schedules, based on customers' financial situations.Importance 4.5
- Advise customers of necessary actions and strategies for debt repayment.Importance 4.4
- Confer with customers by telephone or in person to determine reasons for overdue payments and to review the terms of sales, service, or credit contracts.Importance 4.3
- Persuade customers to pay amounts due on credit accounts, damage claims, or nonpayable checks, or to return merchandise.Importance 4.3
- Answer customer questions regarding problems with their accounts.Importance 4.3
- Receive payments and post amounts paid to customer accounts.Importance 4.2
- Trace delinquent customers to new addresses by inquiring at post offices, telephone companies, credit bureaus, or through the questioning of neighbors.Importance 4.0
- Sort and file correspondence and perform miscellaneous clerical duties, such as answering correspondence and writing reports.Importance 3.9
- Notify credit departments, order merchandise repossession or service disconnection, and turn over account records to attorneys when customers fail to respond to collection attempts.Importance 3.9
Show the other 3
- Perform various administrative functions for assigned accounts, such as recording address changes and purging the records of deceased customers.Importance 3.6
- Contact insurance companies to check on status of claims payments and write appeal letters for denial on claims.Importance 3.8
- Negotiate credit extensions when necessary.Importance 3.5
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.3Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
- Law and GovernmentImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- MathematicsImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.1Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- AdministrativeImportance 3.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.1Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
Show all 33
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.2Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- PsychologyImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.6Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.3Level —
- GeographyImportance 1.3Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.1Level —
- DesignImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.1Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.1Level —
- TransportationImportance 1.1Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.0Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.0Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.0Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.0Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.5Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
Show all 52
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Information OrderingImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Number FacilityImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.6
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Far VisionImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.5Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- OriginalityImportance 2.5Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.4Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Time SharingImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.0Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.5Level 0.8
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.4Level 0.8
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.4Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
- Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.0Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 3.9Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 3.7Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 2.7
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.2Level 2.9
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.1Level 2.6
- Processing InformationImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.0Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.9Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.8Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.8Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.6Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.5Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.3Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.1Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.0Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.6Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.4Level 0.4Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.2Level —
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
40 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- SAP softwarehot
Hot (3; 5 more marked hot above)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Other tools (32)
- ADP Drive DMS for Accounting
- ADS Advantage
- Adtec Agency Manager
- Austin Logistics CallSelect
- Collection Data Systems CollectOne-Tiger
- Columbia Ultimate Archive
- Columbia Ultimate Remit
- Columbia Ultimate RPCS
- CU Connect processing software
- Data-Tel Ceasar
- Debt account management and collection software
- Diagnostic and procedural coding software
- Document management system software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- HMS
- LexisNexis
- LexisNexis Banko
- Medical condition coding software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- NetSuite ERP
- Ontario Systems FACS
- Optical character recognition OCR software
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Quantrax Intelec
- Relational database software
- Sage 50 Accounting
- System Innovators
- TCI XML Credit Interface
- W3 Data BatchAppend411
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Receptionists and Information Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −0.8, Negotiation −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Order Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Quality Control Analysis +0.7, Operation and Control +0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
New Accounts Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Negotiation −0.6, Troubleshooting −0.5
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Office Clerks, General
Average difference 0.2 points · Persuasion −0.8, Reading Comprehension +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Tellers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.0, Persuasion −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Animal Control Workers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control +1.0, Learning Strategies +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Correspondence Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Writing +0.7, Reading Comprehension +0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Active Listening −0.6, Persuasion −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.