Senior Manager, Collections

Accountabilities: Lead Collections Strategy and Operations Develop and implement comprehensive collection strategies covering early-stage delinquency, intermediate and advanced collections, and external recovery activities. Oversee the institution's external receivables portfolio, ensuring accounts progress efficiently through invoicing, payment follow-up, collection, reconciliation, recovery, and final resolution. Establish collection protocols, portfolio segmentation criteria, escalation thresholds, recovery priorities, and operational performance standards. Set annual and periodic collection targets, monitor progress against key performance indicators (KPIs), and recommend adjustments to improve results. Review and enhance collection policies and procedures to strengthen consistency, efficiency, and compliance. Improve Financial Performance and Risk Management Analyze receivables aging by customer, billing source, department, receivable type, outstanding balance, and risk level to identify trends and recovery opportunities. Develop targeted collection initiatives to accelerate payment, prevent accounts from becoming increasingly overdue, and maximize recovery rates. Prepare aging forecasts, collection projections, and financial performance analyses to support planning and decision-making. Identify potential bad debt exposure and collaborate with accounting and finance leadership on appropriate reserves, write-offs, and risk mitigation strategies. Recommend changes to payment terms, collection practices, and business processes when historical collection patterns indicate increased financial risk. Develop executive dashboards and financial reports that translate complex data into actionable recommendations for senior leadership. Optimize Processes, Systems, and Compliance Lead continuous improvement initiatives that increase collection effectiveness, shorten recovery cycles, and strengthen overall invoice-to-cash performance. Apply data analytics and process improvement methodologies to identify inefficiencies and implement scalable solutions. Partner with technology teams to enhance Workday Financial Management and related enterprise resource planning systems. Develop, maintain, and enforce collection policies, procedures, internal controls, and documentation standards. Ensure collection activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations, institutional policies, and privacy requirements. Lead and Develop a High-Performing Team Provide strategic and operational leadership to the Collections Manager and/or collections team, establishing clear priorities, objectives, and performance expectations. Oversee recruitment, selection, hiring, coaching, mentoring, professional development, and other personnel decisions in alignment with organizational objectives and budgetary requirements. Conduct timely performance evaluations, manage employee development plans, and support succession planning and workforce planning. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, customer service, ethical collection practices, and continuous improvement. Implement initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, motivation, productivity, and retention. Complete at least 19 hours of professional development annually, plus an additional 16 hours of leadership development each academic year. Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and institutional priorities. Requirements Education and Professional Experience Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. At least five years of progressively responsible experience in collections, accounts receivable, billing, revenue cycle management, or financial operations. At least three years of supervisory or management experience, including team leadership, performance management, and staff development. A master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related discipline is preferred. Experience in higher education, government, or a large, complex organization is advantageous. Experience managing centralized collections operations is preferred. Official academic transcripts are required. Financial and Technical Expertise Advanced knowledge of accounts receivable operations, collection management, and the end-to-end invoice-to-cash revenue cycle. Strong expertise in receivables aging analysis, portfolio management, recovery strategies, and collection performance measurement. Sound financial judgment and the ability to assess credit and collection risks, identify potential bad debt exposure, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies. Experience developing KPIs, financial dashboards, forecasts, and executive-level reports that support strategic decisions. Knowledge of internal controls, financial compliance, risk management, and applicable regulatory requirements. Experience with Workday Financial Management or comparable enterprise resource planning systems is preferred. Demonstrated experience implementing collection technologies, analytics solutions, or process transformation initiatives is an advantage. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is preferred, as is the Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) designation. Leadership and Interpersonal Skills Proven ability to develop and execute collection strategies that improve recovery rates, reduce delinquency, and strengthen financial performance. Strong strategic thinking, operational management, and analytical decision-making capabilities. Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage organizational change, and implement continuous improvement programs. Excellent written, verbal, and executive communication skills, including the ability to translate complex financial information into clear recommendations. Strong coaching, mentoring, and team development skills, with the ability to build accountability and empower employees. Ability to manage competing priorities, solve complex problems, and maintain operational effectiveness in a dynamic environment. Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is preferred. Commitment to ethical collection practices, confidentiality, collaboration, and responsible financial stewardship. Additional Requirements A valid driver's license is required. Successful completion of any required pre-employment screening and applicable employment checks. Ability to work in a standard office environment, with reasonable accommodations available for qualified individuals as needed. Willingness to work occasional weekends or extended hours during peak registration periods and fiscal year-end closing. Regular and predictable attendance and completion of mandatory annual professional development activities are required. Benefits Competitive compensation: Minimum annual salary of $68,840 , with final compensation subject to the applicable staff pay range and institutional compensation policies. Full-time employment: A standard schedule of 40 hours per week in a professional financial services environment. Potential flexible work arrangements: Eligibility for a FlexWork arrangement may be considered based on business needs, job responsibilities, employee performance, management approval, and institutional policies. Potential remote-work flexibility: Certain remote arrangements may be permitted under applicable Texas law and institutional guidelines. Professional development: Opportunities to strengthen financial leadership, strategic planning, analytics, and operational management expertise. Leadership opportunities: Direct responsibility for developing a collections team, influencing financial strategy, and improving institution-wide recovery performance. Technology and innovation: Opportunities to optimize enterprise financial systems, introduce data-driven collection strategies, and lead process transformation initiatives. Meaningful organizational impact: Contribute to improved cash flow, reduced financial risk, and the long-term financial sustainability of a higher education institution. Collaborative environment: Work closely with finance leadership and cross-functional teams to address complex financial challenges and improve operational effectiveness. Inclusive workplace: Join an organization committed to equal employment opportunities, accessibility, diversity, and a culture of belonging.