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Collections Associate Jobs in Muscle Shoals, AL (NOW HIRING)

Collections Associate information

See Muscle Shoals, AL salary details

$9

$18

$27

How much do collections associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for collections associate in Muscle Shoals, AL is $18.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.81 and $20.29 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 cities near Muscle Shoals, AL are hiring for Collections Associate jobs?

Cities near Muscle Shoals, AL with the most Collections Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Collections Associate job openings in Muscle Shoals, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,792 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Legal Assistant - Collections

Florence, AL • On-site


West Virginia University Health System
Education • 5 - 10K employees

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

462nd of 622 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Recommended by parents


Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Welcome! We're excited you're considering an opportunity with us! To apply to this position and be considered, click the Apply button located above this message and complete the application in full. Below, you'll find other important information about this position.The Legal Assistant shall assist the Associate Collection Counsel (ACC) in executing the day-to-day legal collection activities of West Virginia United Health System (WVUHS) and its affiliated entities. The LA interprets and applies the financial policies of WVUHS entities to make appropriate financial decisions and payment arrangements to ensure the financial viability of WVUHS and its entities. Corresponds with patients to resolve patient liability by adhering to all applicable statutes, rules and regulations including state and federal versions of the Fair Debt Collections Practices Act. Demonstrates the ability to assertively pursue necessary information and to secure financial resolution on accounts. Projects a mature problem-solving attitude while dealing with interpersonal conflict, dissatisfied patients and time constraints. Has and uses excellent customer service, written and oral communication skills.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. High School diploma or Equivalent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:

1. Associates degree in business/office management, secretarial sciences, or related legal field.

EXPERIENCE:

1. One year experience in collections or in a law firm.

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Interprets and applies the financial policies of WVUHS entities.

2. Makes appropriate financial decisions and payment arrangements to ensure the financial viability of WVUHS and its entities

3. Corresponds with patients and takes all necessary steps to resolve patient liability by adhering to all applicable statutes, rules and regulations including state and federal versions of the Fair Debt Collections Act.

4. Is knowledgeable of standards that regulate health care collections and works to ensure compliance with these standards.

5. Responds in a timely manner to requests for advice or information.

6. Maintains proper attendance and reports to work on time in accordance applicable policies.

7. Provides adequate notice prior to absence or tardiness in accordance with applicable policies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Manual dexterity used in operating standard office equipment.

2. Prolonged periods of sitting.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Knowledge of and experience in health care collections preferred

2. Knowledge of and ability to comply with state and federal collection legislation, including, but not limited to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

3. Knowledge of health care reimbursement systems.

4. Ability to communicate and interact with patients, financial services staff, nursing staff, administration, department heads, and other health care related personnel.

5. The ability to identify and resolve problems related to the collection of accounts.

6. Creativity, flexibility, and the ability to work under stress.

Additional Job Description:

Will support Collections Department

In office M-F Morgantown, WV

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company:

SYSTEM West Virginia University Health System

Cost Center:

552 SYSTEM Legal Collections

Address:

1240 Suncrest Towne CentreMorgantownWest Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.



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