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Collections Associate Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

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Collections Associate information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$10

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How much do collections associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for collections associate in Columbus, GA is $18.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.05 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a collections associate?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a collections associate?

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.

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 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 Columbus, GA?

The most popular types of Collections jobs in Columbus, GA are:

What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Collections Associate jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Collections Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Collections Associate job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,446 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

Patient Access Rep ER Registration PRN

Hughston Medical Physicians

Phenix City, AL โ€ข On-site

$15.75 - $20/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Shift: Varies
Position Goal:
The Patient Access Representative responsibilities include ER registration, PBX, payer identification and verification, and point of service collections. Vital functions include: timely, accurate and complete data gathering and entry in the computer system(s) of patient demographic and benefit information, verification of benefits eligibility and limitations, coordination of benefits, determination and collection of patient's financial responsibility at the point of service and satisfaction of regulatory requirements. This position is vital to not only the patient satisfaction but the operations of the facility as well as the operational financial success. Essential is the ability to provide excellent customer service to patients, patients family members, healthcare providers, medical staff offices, and peers.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Performs all elements of the patient intake process with proven accuracy by performing Master Patient Index inquiries using established identifiers to ensure non-duplication of medical records numbers. Demographic information is collected/updated in the system including emergency contact, telephone numbers, and financial information accurately. Completes record before the end of daily shift.
  • Benefits are to be identified, verified by computer or telephone, coordinated and entered in the system while fulfilling Medicare requirements and completing the Medicare Secondary Payer Questionnaire accurately.
  • Determines and informs patient/guarantor of financial responsibility and collects at point of service, issuing receipts as appropriate to include outstanding balances.
  • Appropriately document notes on each account.
  • Consistently provides explanations and information to the patient and obtains signatures as appropriate.
  • Ensures all forms are completed by the patient/guarantor at the time of service to include all payer specific required forms to include but not limited to, Tricare, Veterans Administration, and United Healthcare
  • Accurately scans the patient ID, insurance cards, eligibility responses, payments, receipts, authorizations, notifications, referrals, and signatures to the patient's account.
  • Maintains proficiency in the use of all systems and communication devices essential to the efficient, effective performance of Patient Access functions.
  • Supports the department goals for point-of-service collections by identifying the patient responsibility, communicating to the patient or responsible party at registration their financial responsibility to include collecting co-payments in the ER.
  • Knowledgeable of Current Procedure Terminology Codes (CPT), ICD-10 Codes, and medical terminology.
  • Knowledgeable of health insurance, benefit eligibility, and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).
  • Knowledgeable of EMTALA (Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act) and adheres to the set guidelines to ensure compliance.
  • Reviews charts for accuracy and completes charts before the end of daily shift.
  • Knowledgeable of procedures governing the arrival of Joint Commission and other groups.
  • Responsible for updating all inpatient and observation accounts based on physician orders within 30 minutes of receiving updated physician orders.
  • Responds to emails before the next business day.
  • Performs general clerical office duties as required in the Patient Access Office, including but not limited to filing, faxing, scanning and copying documents.
  • Actively assist and engage in other areas of the department as needed in order to achieve departmental goals.
  • Meets assigned departmental quality assurance, point of service collections, insurance verification, registration time and monthly percentage goals.
  • Demonstrate superior prioritization, organizational, and time management skills.
  • QA must be completed and all corrections made within two days of batch date.
  • Can perform all Code/Alarm procedures.
  • Provides excellent customer service to all patients, family members, and coworkers.
  • Maintain excellent and open verbal communication with clinical staff members.
  • Responsible for making sure that Supervisor has most up to date contact information.

Experience: Previous office experience in a hospital or medical office, patient access or financial services preferred. Good math skills and typing proficiency. Must have exceptional customer service skills as well as verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
Special Qualifications: Ability to work independently. Ability to interact well with the public, i.e. children, adolescents, adults and geriatric. Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. Certified Patient Accounts Representative (CPAR) or Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) preferred.
The Hughston Clinic, The Hughston Foundation, The Hughston Surgical Center, Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics, Hughston Medical, Hughston Orthopaedics Trauma, Hughston Orthopaedics Southeast and Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital participate in E-Verify. This company is an equal opportunity employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.