Linda Lehmann
Four Oaks,NC
Summary
Collections Manager with 10 + years of experience seeking a challenging position to leverage extensive knowledge in credit management and collections to maximize operational efficiency and minimize risk.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Collection Specialist - Team Lead
GFL Environmental
Raleigh, NC
07.2022 - Current
- Monitor top ten broker/corporate customers, tracking timely payments in both current and 30-day columns to maximize monthly collections
- Focus on collection for the top five corporate and broker accounts, reviewing the over 60-day column to decrease overdue percentages.
- Implement strategies based on team input to optimize collection processes.
- Conduct monthly meetings with team members to address challenges, problem-solve, and enhance cash flow solutions.
- Manage accounts for each broker, providing monthly statements and creating Excel spreadsheets and pivot tables for analysis.
- Utilize Power BI software to analyze customer data, focusing on accounts that are past due to enhance recovery efforts.
- Managed customer accounts to ensure timely payment and reduce outstanding balances.
- Developed effective communication strategies to resolve payment disputes and enhance customer relationships.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline billing processes and improve overall efficiency.
- Trained junior staff on best practices for collections and customer interaction techniques.
- Improved customer payment compliance through negotiating mutually agreeable repayment plans.
Collections Manager
Russell Reid Waste Hauling and Disposal
Edison, NJ
05.1999 - 11.2019
- Directed comprehensive account analysis and developed bad debt reserve strategy to mitigate financial exposure.
- Oversaw credit risk assessments, credit limit recommendations, and collection agency management to protect assets.
- Collaborated weekly with controller to assess high-risk accounts and devise targeted resolution strategies.
- Evaluated collection data to uncover trends and drive strategic enhancements.
- Addressed escalated customer inquiries related to billing and payment disputes with efficiency.
- Collaborated with legal resources and recovery teams to address and resolve default issues.
- Formulated tailored payment plans for financially distressed customers to facilitate effective debt recovery.
- Oversaw team of collectors, ensuring compliance during phone call and letter monitoring.
- Developed and implemented training programs for collection staff to improve performance and efficiency.
- Collaborated with finance team to reconcile discrepancies in accounts receivable records effectively.
- Improved overall collections efficiency by implementing strategic collection plans and processes.
- Enhanced team performance through regular training, coaching, and feedback sessions.
Credit and Collections
Russell Reid Waste Hauling and Disposal
Edison, NJ
09.1994 - 04.1999
- Investigate customer credit applications and make recommendations to Credit Manager.
- Assists clients with invoice issues; assists in reconciliation of accounts.
- Proactively seek 'root causes' of late payments and recommend improvements to drive efficient and effective operational performance.
- Record sales tax exempt information.
- Managed high-volume caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks based on urgency and potential impact on overall collections results.
- Promoted a positive work culture by fostering teamwork, sharing credit for successes, and providing constructive feedback to improve performance.
- Assisted in the development of departmental goals and KPIs, ensuring a focus on continuous improvement and measurable results within credits and collections operations.
- Streamlined checkout process for customers with swift and precise handling of cash, credit, and debit card payments.
Education
Associate of Arts -
Middlesex Community College
Edison, NJ01-1994
Skills
- Strong client support abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Skilled in Tower and Trux applications
- Effective time management
- Effective communication skills
- Certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid
- Collaborative mindset
- Bankruptcy law awareness
- Strong negotiation skills
- Credit reporting
- Payment plan management
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
Identified and resolved automatic credit holds on delinquent customer accounts by implementing appropriate credit limits, improving transaction flow and minimizing revenue disruption.
Timeline
Collection Specialist - Team Lead
GFL Environmental
07.2022 - Current
Collections Manager
Russell Reid Waste Hauling and Disposal
05.1999 - 11.2019
Credit and Collections
Russell Reid Waste Hauling and Disposal
09.1994 - 04.1999
Associate of Arts -
Middlesex Community College