What's your job about?
As a Collections Specialist at Emerson Manila, my responsibilities involve managing and overseeing the collection of outstanding account portfolios from our valued clients. This includes reviewing accounts to identify overdue payments and contacting clients to follow up on outstanding invoices. I communicate with customers via phone and email to resolve payment issues, which involves negotiating payment terms, setting up payment plans, and addressing disputes or discrepancies. In addition to client interactions, I collaborate closely with sales, finance, and customer service teams to address invoicing and payment issues, ensuring a smooth customer experience and prompt resolution of any problems.
My role also includes ensuring that the collections process adheres to company policies, legal requirements, and industry best practices, managing credit and collection risks, and fostering positive relationships with customers to encourage timely payments and address any concerns.
What's your background?
I grew up in Iloilo, known as the “City of Love,” where I lived with my father’s side of the family from the age of four until I was twelve. I then moved to Manila to continue my education, completing both high school and college there. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, majoring in Financial Management, from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. During college, I worked full-time as a Technical Support Representative to support myself while completing my studies. Balancing virtual classes with work allowed me to apply and enhance my skills in real-time. Along the way, I connected with numerous mentors who shared their expertise, helping me develop my skills.
During my internship application, I applied to various companies in the Finance Department. My eldest sister, who had previously worked at Emerson Manila as a Collection Specialist, encouraged me to apply there. However, I wasn’t selected for an internship position at that time. Five months later, while applying for internships for my final semester, I came across a job posting online and was fortunate to be accepted as an Accounts Payable Intern at Emerson Manila. After two months in this role, I had the opportunity to apply for and secure a position as my second job post-college. It has been a privilege to continue with Emerson Manila, where I’ve had the chance to work with talented professionals who have mentored me and provided invaluable knowledge and experience.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes! Someone with a different background could successfully transition into my role. Dedication, a willingness to learn, and an openness to exploring one’s potential are key. Emerson offers a University Training Program specifically designed for fresh graduates or those without work experience. This program provides comprehensive training to help us understand the importance of our role within the company and embody Emerson’s values. I am a proud product of this program, which significantly enhanced my skills and equipped me to perform effectively in my role as a Collections Specialist.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about being a Collections Specialist is the chance to work in a dynamic and culturally diverse environment while directly contributing to the company’s financial success. It allows me to collaborate with global teams, gaining insights and developing a broad skill set that enhances my professional growth. I enjoy helping people find solutions, providing useful information, and engaging in a variety of interesting conversations, which challenges me to expand my knowledge and push myself to my limits. The variety of tasks and the opportunity to support others—whether by solving problems or sharing information—make the role both fulfilling and stimulating. If you have a passion for continuous learning, enjoy tackling challenges, and thrive in a collaborative team setting, this job is ideal for you.
What are the limitations of your job?
One limitation of my job is the responsibility of decision-making, especially when specific concerns require input from other departments before action can be taken. While I can often determine the necessary steps to resolve an issue, some decisions are made by supervisors, managers, or other higher-ups. Although this can be a constraint, it also provides an opportunity for collaboration and learning. By working together with your team and considering various perspectives, you contribute to finding the best resolution and gain valuable insights from others, ultimately benefiting both yourself and the organization.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student.