Scott Higgins
Long Island City,NY
Summary
Collections manager with a strong track record at Freestone Property Group, specializing in dispute resolution and financial reporting. Demonstrated expertise in housing law compliance and process optimization, resulting in improved recovery rates and enhanced resident relationships. Skilled in Yardi Voyager and Microsoft Office, ensuring effective collections and legal compliance across various property portfolios.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Resident Collections Manager
Freestone Property Group
New York, NY
01.2024 - Current
- Own and manage the full collections process for 425 buildings totaling 2,100 units, primarily across Brooklyn and Queens.
- Monitor resident delinquencies and proactively initiate collections workflows to minimize outstanding balances.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for overdue residents, applying professional and empathetic communication to negotiate resolution plans.
- Prepare and issue legal notices, track account escalations, and partner with attorneys on court filings and Holdover proceedings.
- Generate and maintain reporting on aging, legal status, settlement outcomes, and recovery rates to support organizational decision-making.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with legal, accounting, and property management teams to ensure compliant and efficient collections processes.
Property Manager
The Andrews Organization
New York, New York
05.2022 - 12.2023
- Managed a portfolio of 10 condominiums and 1 co-op totaling over 150 units.
- Cultivated positive relationships with tenants, managed building staff, and coordinated servicing companies.
- Directed monthly board meetings to guide decisions to enhance the financial and health of the buildings.
- Liaised with insurance companies to ensure resident safety and compliance with building regulations; provide rapid crisis management services for all building emergencies.
Assistant Property Manager specializing in Collections and Legal Administration
Aegis Realty Management
New York, NY
06.2020 - 05.2022
- Oversaw collections, court proceedings, leasing, and recruiting for 7 buildings totaling 175 mixed residential and commercial units.
- Ensured accurate and timely posting of billing, charges, and transactions.
- Reviewed lease information and renewals, updating as necessary for accuracy and legal compliance.
- Attended weekly meetings with Legal, Leasing, and Management Departments to discuss current and past tenant arrears and legal proceedings.
- Followed up with attorneys regarding ongoing non-payment and Holdover proceedings.
Evictions and Collections
Prime Property Management
Philadelphia, PA
02.2015 - 05.2020
- Managed collections and court proceedings for 925 single-family homes, including 500 with Section 8 Vouchers.
- Coordinated legal actions with attorneys to ensure proper tenant filings and compliance.
- Ensured timely posting of billing, charges, and transactions for accurate records.
- Reviewed and updated lease information and renewals for legal compliance.
- Participated in weekly meetings with Legal, Leasing, and Management Departments to address tenant arrears.
- Followed up with attorneys on ongoing non-payment and Holdover proceedings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Performance Studies
University of Delaware
Newark, DE04.2014
Skills
- Collections management and legal escalation
- Housing law compliance
- Dispute resolution and negotiation
- Financial reporting and reconciliation
- Process optimization and risk mitigation
- Yardi Voyager and MRI expertise
- AvidXchange and Appfolio proficiency
- Microsoft Office applications
Timeline
Resident Collections Manager
Freestone Property Group
01.2024 - Current
Property Manager
The Andrews Organization
05.2022 - 12.2023
Assistant Property Manager specializing in Collections and Legal Administration
Aegis Realty Management
06.2020 - 05.2022
Evictions and Collections
Prime Property Management
02.2015 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Performance Studies
University of Delaware