Collections Coordinator

This is a Full Time Job

The Residuals Department of the Writers Guild of America, West, is currently seeking qualified applicants for the position of Collections Coordinator. Under the supervision of the Senior Residuals Collections Administrator, this position is responsible for pursuing unpaid claims for residuals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1) Investigates potential claims of violations of the residuals provisions of the collective bargaining agreement as part of the grievance and arbitration process.
2) Responsible for handling a significant case load.
3) Talks to potential claimants by phone or in person.
4) Researches data from various Guild departments with respect to residuals and obtains and analyzes essential documents, including writing services agreements, assumption agreements, distribution agreements, and licenses, from writers, agents, attorneys, companies, and/or other departments in the Guild to investigate and support the claim.
5) Prepares detailed Excel spreadsheets of residuals owed; may compile residual history of certain programs/features from microfilmed records.
6) Writes demand letters to companies; follows up until residuals are paid.
7) As necessary, has frequent telephone conversations with companies who either dispute that residuals are due or that they are responsible.
8) Attempts to resolve claims with company representatives.
9) Prepares and files arbitration claims if unable to resolve.
10) If company refuses to pay, prepares case referral summarizing facts and issues in claim and forwards file to the Legal Department for further handling through arbitration.
11) Interacts with Guild counsel as necessary.
12) In addition to responsibilities for specific claims, answers telephone inquiries from writers, rate calls, agents, attorneys, and company representatives regarding residual obligations under the MBA.
13) Researches and reviews legal entity and signatory information in order to effect service of process on respondents.
14) Serve notices of claims on respondents prior to case transfer to the Legal Department.
15) May research residuals history of comparable pictures in order to prepare imputed schedules of residuals owed.
16) Other duties as required

OCCUPATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

1) College degree preferred; Legal and/or Residuals background strongly preferred
2) The successful applicant has excellent oral/written communication and time management skills
3) Must be detail oriented, extremely well organized, and have excellent follow-through skills
4) Must have the ability to interact well with staff, members, and outside contacts
5) Must have excellent research skills and the ability to analyze complex issues
6) Must be computer literate with proficiency in MS Word and Excel
7) Must be able to comprehend and interpret the MBA, legal contracts, and distribution reports, and present concise written requests for payment
8) Must have the ability to interact diplomatically, both in person and on the telephone, with individuals regarding confidential and sensitive issues
9) Must exercise good discretion
10) Must be able to discuss issues and payment problems with producers' legal representatives and agents
11) Must be able to perform all duties and tasks in a fast-paced department with heavy deadlines, efficiently prioritize workload and ensure timely completion of required tasks