Collectors
(NOC 1435)
in All Business, Finance, and AdministrationCollectors collect payments on overdue accounts and bad cheques and locate debtors to make collection arrangements. They work for collection agencies, utility companies, department stores, loan companies, banks and credit unions, and by financial and licensing departments within governments.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$18.00
Minimum$26.00
Median$32.72
MaximumAnnual Pay
$15,803
Minimum$43,364
Median$65,228
MaximumCompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$23.00
Median$38.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,754
Minimum$36,515
Median$70,271
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Collectors collect payments on overdue accounts and bad cheques and locate debtors to make collection arrangements. They work for collection agencies, utility companies, department stores, loan companies, banks and credit unions, and by financial and licensing departments within governments.
Job duties
Collectors:
- Notify debtors of overdue payments and accounts by telephone, mail, and registered mail, and continue the notification process if reply is not received.
- Resolve collection issues by making payment arrangements by telephone or visit to debtor.
- Recommend further action or discontinuation of service in cases where payment is not forthcoming.
- Trace and locate debtors, and may contact debtors' friends, neighbours, relatives and employers to get information.
- Answer correspondence, prepare reports, and maintain records and files related to collection work.
- May work with on-line accounts and systems.
Sample job titles
- bill collector
- collection clerk
- collection officer (except taxation)
- collector
- credit and collection clerk
- financial collector
- inspector and bill collector
- loan collector
Skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills are important, along with a willingness to learn and adapt to continually changing equipment and software. Basic mathematical skills are required, and you should be comfortable handling basic financial transactions. Your work must be accurate and you should enjoy repetitive tasks. Familiarity with computer software and other office equipment is needed. You should also be cooperative and able to work as part of a team.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A business college diploma may be required.
- A period of on-the-job training is often provided for collection clerks and collection officers.
- A collections licence issued by the province or territory of employment is usually required.
Other considerations
- Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$43,023 median annual incomeNorth Shore
N/ACape Breton
N/AAnnapolis Valley
N/ASouthern
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Public administration
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
Finance and insurance
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
Top levels of education
High school
$49,543 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$33,205 median annual incomeBachelor
$48,517 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ATrade Certification
N/ACompared to: All Business, Finance, and Administration
College Diploma
$36,304 median annual incomeHigh school
$32,903 median annual incomeBachelor
$41,755 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$34,807 median annual incomeLess than high school
$23,174 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business Administration and Management
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. They include courses in management theory, human resources management and behaviour, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Institutions providing this program
Lower Sackville, NS
Halifax, NS
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Truro, NS
Various, NS
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.