Settlements & Collections Officer Asset Finance business Burwood location Paying up to $90k plus super The client Our client is a boutique asset finance business with a long history in motor vehicle and equipment finance. They provide a supportive and hands-on environment where you will learn quickly, work closely with experienced operators, and be part of a tight, friendly team that genuinely looks after each other. The role Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Settlements and Collections Officer to support the Credit Analyst team during a period of business growth. This dual-function role combines end-to-end settlement management with proactive collections activities, ensuring smooth loan completion processes while maintaining healthy portfolio performance. Working closely with the Credit team, you will play a critical support role managing the administrative and operational aspects of loan settlements and maintaining positive cash flow through effective collections strategies. This full-time, office-based position offers exposure to both settlements and collections functions, with opportunities to develop toward a Credit Analyst role as the team grows. Settlements (60%) Settlement duties will include the following: • Prepare and coordinate loan settlement documentation in accordance with credit approval conditions • Liaise with borrowers, brokers, other financiers, dealers, auction houses, private sellers and other third parties to facilitate timely settlements • Verify and validate all AllPAPs ( All Present and After Acquired Property) documentation and compliance requirements • Verify that all pre-settlement conditions have been satisfied before drawdown • Coordinate with brokers, dealers, auction houses and private sellers to ensure accurate preparation of loan documents • Register security interests and lodge PMSI's with PPSR for each asset financed( • Conduct final pre-settlement checks to ensure accuracy of financial calculations, fees, and disbursements • Maintain organised and compliant loan files with meticulous record-keeping • Complete post-settlement reconciliation and file documentation • Support Credit Analysts by managing settlement workflows and reducing administrative burden Collections (40%) Collection duties will include the following: • Monitor assigned portfolio for overdue accounts and payment irregularities • Conduct proactive outbound contact with customers regarding overdue payments • Negotiate payment arrangements and manage sensitive customer situations with empathy and professionalism • Escalate complex disputes or high-risk accounts to senior staff as appropriate • Maintain accurate records of all collection activities and customer interactions • Work to minimise bad debts and support positive cash flow outcomes • Identify early warning signs of financial difficulty and coordinate appropriate responses • Ensure all collection activities comply with relevant legislation, codes of conduct, and company policies General Responsibilities General responsibilities will include: • Collaborate with Credit Analysts and other team members to support overall team goals • Identify opportunities to improve settlement and collections processes • Contribute to a positive and cohesive team culture • Participate in training and professional development opportunities • Undertake other ad hoc duties as required to support the credit function KPIs and Key Outcomes Settlement Performance • Settlement turnaround time: Average time from approval to settlement meets or exceeds target timeframes • Settlement accuracy: Maintain 95% first-time-right settlement completion rate with minimal post-settlement corrections • Documentation compliance: 100% compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements • Pre-settlement conditions clearance: Proactive management ensuring all conditions are satisfied prior to settlement date Collections Performance • Collection effectiveness: Achieve agreed percentage of assigned portfolio brought to current status monthly • Contact rate: Maintain consistent proactive customer contact in line with portfolio management strategy • Aged debt reduction: Contribute to reducing 30 and 60 day arrears within portfolio • Payment arrangement success: High percentage of negotiated arrangements maintained by customers Operational Excellence • Process efficiency: Identify and implement at least 2 process improvements per annum • Stakeholder satisfaction: Positive feedback from brokers, dealers, auction houses, and internal teams • Data quality: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in all systems • Team contribution: Actively support team goals and contribute to positive culture Ideal Person Profile Essential Experience & Skills • 1-3 years experience in settlements, collections, or financial services operations • Experience managing loan settlements autonomously from start to finish (asset finance) • Background in collections, recoveries, or credit control activities • Strong understanding of loan documentation, PPSR security registration, and settlement procedures • Knowledge of compliance requirements including Privacy Act, NCCP, AML/CTF, and relevant credit legislation • Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines • Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn internal systems quickly Desirable • Exposure to both settlements and collections in previous roles • Knowledge of PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) processes • Experience with loan management systems or CRM platforms • Familiarity with Credit Codes, AML/ CTF, Privacy Act or Asset Finance • Certificate or Diploma in Finance, Business, or related field Personal Attributes • Process-driven: Thrives in structured environments and follows procedures while identifying improvements • Resilient communicator: Comfortable handling difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism • Detail-obsessed: Takes pride in getting things right the first time • Self-motivated: Works independently with minimal supervision while knowing when to escalate • Team player: Supports colleagues and contributes positively to team culture • Adaptable: Comfortable switching between settlements and collections tasks throughout the day • Growth-oriented: Interest in developing credit analysis skills and progressing within the function • Customer-focused: Balances firm collections approach with empathy and commercial sensibility • Integrity: Demonstrates high ethical standards and professionalism in all interactions What is on offer • Full-time office-based role with supportive team environment • Exposure to both settlements and collections functions • Clear pathway to Credit Analyst opportunities as the team expands • Professional development and training support • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact during a growth phase