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Collections Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Naviga

Collections Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

You possess a high school diploma or GED (Associate's degree preferred) along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a professional accounting role focused on collections, accounts receivable, or ...

Naviga

Collections Specialist

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

You possess a high school diploma or GED (Associate's degree preferred) along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a professional accounting role focused on collections, accounts receivable, or ...

Naviga

Collections Specialist

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

You possess a high school diploma or GED (Associate's degree preferred) along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a professional accounting role focused on collections, accounts receivable, or ...

Meriton

Collections Specialist

Brea, CA

$75K - $80K/yr

Associates degree and/or 3+ years of experience in collections * Strong experience with ERP systems, particularly Financial & Operations, is a plus. * Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and ...

Dlapiper

Collections Specialist

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$40.90 - $53.17/hr

Preferred Education Associate's Degree. Minimum Years of Experience 5 years of experience in a professional accounting role within collections, accounts receivable, or financial administration in a ...

Meriton

Collections Specialist

Brea, CA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Associates degree and/or 3+ years of experience in collections * Strong experience with ERP systems, particularly Financial & Operations, is a plus. * Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and ...

Dlapiper

Collections Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · Hybrid

$40.90 - $53.17/hr

Preferred Education Associate's Degree. Minimum Years of Experience 5 years of experience in a professional accounting role within collections, accounts receivable, or financial administration in a ...

DLA Piper

Collections Specialist

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Preferred Education • Associate's Degree. Minimum Years of Experience • 5 years of experience in a professional accounting role within collections, accounts receivable, or financial ...

Innergy

Collections Specialist II

Van Nuys, CA · On-site

$27.98 - $34.95/hr

... experience in collections, customer service, or a related financial field may be preferred ... The associate will spend most of the working time sitting, standing, or walking, including ...

Innergy

Collections Specialist II

Van Nuys, CA

$19.25 - $26/hr

... experience in collections, customer service, or a related financial field may be preferred ... The associate will spend most of the working time sitting, standing, or walking, including ...

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All JobsCollections Associate JobsCollections Associate Jobs in California

Collections Associate information

See California salary details

$11

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$30

How much do collections associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for collections associate in California is $20.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Collections Associate typically collaborate with other departments to resolve outstanding accounts?

Collections Associates often work closely with teams such as customer service, billing, and sales to address and resolve outstanding accounts. They may coordinate with the billing department to ensure invoices are accurate, or with customer service to better understand client issues that may be impacting payments. Effective collaboration helps Collections Associates develop repayment plans that are satisfactory for both the company and the customer. This teamwork is essential for resolving disputes quickly and maintaining positive customer relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Collections Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Collections Associate, you need strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with collections software, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and basic accounting tools is typically required. Excellent communication, patience, and resilience are vital soft skills for managing difficult conversations and maintaining professionalism. These abilities are crucial for effectively recovering outstanding debts while preserving customer relationships and adhering to legal and ethical standards.

What are Collections Associates?

Collections Associates are professionals responsible for contacting individuals or businesses to collect overdue payments on accounts. They typically work for banks, credit card companies, medical offices, or other organizations that extend credit. Their duties include negotiating repayment plans, updating account information, and resolving customer disputes regarding outstanding debts. Collections Associates must have strong communication and negotiation skills, as well as a good understanding of relevant laws and regulations.

What is the difference between Collections Associate vs Accounts Receivable Clerk?

AspectCollections AssociateAccounts Receivable Clerk
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate degree or relevant experienceHigh school diploma; some roles prefer associate degree or accounting coursework
Work EnvironmentOffice setting; interacting with clients and finance teamsOffice setting; processing invoices and managing accounts
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, healthcare, retailCorporate finance, accounting departments, small to large businesses
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles related to debt collection and customer accountsManaging incoming payments and account reconciliation

While both roles involve handling financial transactions, a Collections Associate primarily focuses on recovering overdue payments by contacting customers, whereas an Accounts Receivable Clerk manages invoicing, records payments, and maintains account accuracy. Both positions require strong communication skills and attention to detail, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Collections jobs in California? The most popular types of Collections jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Collections Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Collections Associate job openings:
Collections Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Collections Associate job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 13% Full Time, 82% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,388 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Collections Specialist

Collections Specialist

West Coast University, Inc.

Irvine, CA • On-site

$23.59 - $31.84/hr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Choose To Make A Difference
Under the direction of the Collections Supervisor, performs collections pertaining to delinquent student accounts for all American Career College and West Coast University campuses; discusses and explains delinquent accounts with students; generates and sends communications to student borrowers through a variety of methods, and performs related work as required.
  • Performs appropriate collections on delinquent accounts for out-of-school students (graduates and drops} from American Career College and West Coast University campuses. Negotiates with debtors within organizational guidelines to modify payment plans or offer settlements for the most-delinquent accounts.
  • Processes internal and/or external communications and correspondence regarding accounts. receivable, respondi.ng to inquiries, resolving problems, and generating customized correspondence as appropriate.
  • Performs skip tracing activities for out-of-school students via the internet, phone, mall, and e-mails. Conducts social networking on the internet to find and communicate with students who are delinquent on their payments to ACC or WCU.
  • Collects and compiles data in the preparation of regular and special forms and reports.
  • Conducts collections via telephone with students and makes payment arrangements.
  • Interacts effectively with individuals to explain rules and procedures, and resolve payments and questions.
  • Reviews student accounts on a scheduled basis to ensure accuracy of billing, payment receipt, and collection status. 1.nitiates corrections as necessary through appropriate channels.
  • Generates and sends information to debtors using a variety of methods such as mail, e-mail, social media, etc.
  • Monitors and follows up on severely delinquent and uncollectible accounts to insure timely notification to collection agency.
  • Provides appropriate financial information to and maintains contact and follow-up with internal Accounting Department for collectible accounts.
  • Works in conjunction with the Director of Accounting and the SRC staff at each campus to coordinate payment processing and record keeping; and to arrange appropriate repayment options for students who have an outstanding balance owed to the school but wish to re-enroll.
  • Processes credit card payments. received from debtors.
  • Maintains comprehensive electronic and paper records in accordance with institutional policies and procedures.
  • Conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the University's Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and states laws, and applicable professional standards.
  • Maintains established department policies, procedures and attends training and other required meetings.
  • Maintains confidentiality of all student, associate, and/or organizational information in accordance with FERPA, GLB, CFPB, FDCPA, and all organizational policies and procedures.
  • Adheres to College/University policies and procedures and conducts job responsibilities in accordance with the standards set out in the College/University's Code of Ethical Conduct, Compliance Agreement, Sexual Harassment Policy or any of its policies and procedures, applicable federal and state laws, and applicable professional standards.
  • Maintains regular and timely attendance, reports to work as scheduled and as required to meet the needs of the College/University and assures time worked and/or time-off is recorded properly.
  • Exercises care, proper use and maintenance of department equipment and supplies and identifies unsafe conditions and makes appropriate adjustments.
  • Maintains order, cleanliness and safety at work.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • High school diploma or equivalent required.
  • Associate degree including college-level course work in accounting, bookkeeping, or business management preferred.
  • Minimum one year collection experience.
  • Minimum one-year previous experience with methods and practices of recordkeeping and procedures; credit checking and collection in an academic, business office or related type of office environment preferred.
  • Experience with MS Office.
  • Consent to audio record student telephone conversations or other conversations related to the collection of delinquent accounts

CA Salary Range
USD $23.59 - USD $31.84 /Hr.
Bonus Eligible
No

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