Credit Control/Collections Specialist-Ottawa

Credit Control/Collections Specialist

Term: 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract

Located: Ottawa, Canada

Firm Overview

Marks & Clerk is one of the world’s leading intellectual property (IP) firms, with our first Canadian office being established in Ottawa in 1921. We specialize in all areas of intellectual property law – trademarks, copyrights, patents, designs, and related matters, as well as IP enforcement and litigation.

Through a global network of 15 offices in Canada, the UK, Europe and Asia and long-established relationships with other trusted IP firms worldwide, we have the unique ability to secure and enforce IP rights for clients looking to safeguard their innovations in multiple jurisdictions. Our clients come from a diverse range of industries and include start-ups, small and medium-sized businesses and large multinational corporations who have long trusted us to deliver high quality, seamless and cost-effective services both in Canada and globally.

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Credit Control/Collections Specialist to join our finance team. This role is pivotal in managing client accounts, ensuring timely collection of outstanding debts, and maintaining strong relationships with Partners, Fee Earners, and Clients. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. A proactive approach to credit and risk management, coupled with strong organisational skills, is essential to minimise exposure to bad debts and achieve cash collection targets.

Principal responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of client accounts and use aged debt reports to analyse ledgers and prioritise cash collection, while fostering excellent client relationships.

• Review and monitor sales ledger balances, ensuring collection targets are consistently maintained, and cash collection is maximised.

Principal responsibilities (cont.)

• Chase overdue invoices via phone, email, and written correspondence, reporting and escalating any issues to the Credit Manager promptly.

• Carry out regular reviews of new and existing clients to evaluate credit risk at an early stage and ensure effective management of exposure in line with the Credit Policy.

• Maintain and update client records on the firm’s accounting system and the Document Management System with details of collection activity, ensuring compliance with Data Protection requirements.

• Alert Managing Fee Earners and Partners to changes in clients' status or deteriorating payment performance before agreeing escalation steps, credit restrictions, and progress reporting requirements with stakeholders.

• Liaise with Partners, Managing Fee Earners, clients, and internal teams effectively to resolve queries.

• Deal with collection problems, including but not limited to special letters, compromise settlements, the use of debtor recovery agencies, and the submission and monitoring of claims in insolvency proceedings.

• Carry out routine housekeeping and reviews of credit and trust allocations, contact clients to resolve payment remittances, provide cover for other team members, and undertake any ad hoc collection tasks and projects as required.

• Work collaboratively with the group Credit Manager, finance team members, and other practice functions to support the business in the delivery of high quality internal and external service.

Technical knowledge, professional qualifications and experience

• A minimum of 2 years credit control experience within a professional services environment.

• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and financial systems.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:

• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team.

• The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.