Summary
A billing manager is responsible for overseeing workers who handle bill collection for various companies and/or organizations. He or she is the intermediary between the customer and the company, making sure that bills are paid on time. Billing managers also perform various office tasks such as answering calls and faxing important papers. Some billing managers are tasked to find future collection agents, train them and oversee their work.
Duties
A billing manager uses a computer database that stores contact details of customers, keeping track of the payment plans as well as monitor those with delinquent accounts. He or she gathers and compiles information about the customer and payments done. This includes computing for the current bill charges and fixing the statement to be filed for final billing. The billing manager is also tasked to inform clients with outstanding balances and work on finding a solution for their accounts. The billing manager has the authority to decide which ones need to be attended to immediately and those that can still get extension for their unpaid bills. In larger companies, the billing manager may oversee a team of collection agents, who he/she will train and monitor in handling accounts.
Education and Training Requirements
There are no specific formal prerequisites to become a billing manager, but it may vary depending on the company and industry. However, the billing manager must possess a high school or college diploma. As this job deals mainly with numbers and financial matters, knowledge in math, business, administration and accounting will be beneficial.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
A billing manager must be good with numbers thus requiring advanced math skills, knowledge in finances and computer literacy, particularly with programs used in the collections department. Billing managers must be systematic with good leadership characteristics. They should always be professional in handling customers with utmost respect and courtesy, but remain stringent with rules and deadlines. The billing manager must exude strong leadership skills, since he/she is responsible for a team of collection agents.
Working Conditions
Billing managers are found at their workstations at the usual office hours of Monday to Friday from 9 to 5 in the afternoon. However, there are instances when they have to do personal home visits with certain clients. Regular office wear is their daily attire.
Salary
Although there are varying salaries amongst billing managers depending on their industry, they receive an annual salary of $50,000 on the average. Some earn between $34,000 and $63,000.
