Director of Collections (AR) - Orthopedic DivisionDepartment: RCM: Collections
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Headquarters - Matawan
Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 / year
DescriptionDirector of Collections (AR) - Orthopedic Division Alliance Health System
Reports to: SVP of RCM
Role Overview The Director of Collections is responsible for leading and optimizing all accounts receivable (AR) collections activities following claim submission. This role is focused on driving claims to cash through effective follow-up, denial resolution, and team performance, ensuring timely and accurate reimbursement.
The Director leads a large, multi-functional collections team and is accountable for productivity, quality, and financial outcomes within AR workflows. This individual partners cross-functionally to identify upstream opportunities, but remains focused on execution within the collections function.
This role requires a hands-on, data-driven leader who can motivate teams, standardize processes, and consistently deliver performance across all AR buckets.
Key Responsibilities1. Drive AR Collections Performance (Claims to Cash) - Lead all collections efforts related to outstanding AR, including follow-up, denials, underpayments, and account resolution
- Ensure timely action on claims across all aging buckets, with targeted strategies for high-value and aged AR
- Establish clear expectations and accountability for productivity and quality within the team
- Drive improvements in key collections KPIs, including:
- Net collections
- AR aging (60/90/120+)
- Denial resolution rates
- Productivity and quality metrics
2. Lead, Coach, and Develop the Collections Team - Manage and develop managers, leads, and collectors across onshore and offshore teams
- Set clear performance expectations and provide consistent coaching and feedback
- Build a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
- Ensure teams are supported with the tools, training, and guidance needed to perform effectively
3. Standardize Workflows & Improve Execution - Ensure consistent execution of collections workflows across all teams and divisions
- Implement and enforce standardized processes for:
- Account follow-up cadence
- Denial management
- Documentation and audit readiness
- Identify inefficiencies in current workflows and implement operational improvements within the collections function
4. Data-Driven Leadership & KPI Management - Monitor and analyze AR performance to identify trends, risks, and opportunities
- Utilize reporting and dashboards to guide team priorities and daily workflow direction
- Ensure consistent KPI reporting and weekly visibility into team performance
- Hold teams accountable to performance targets through structured review and follow-up cadence
5. Cross-Functional Partnership (Aligned, Not Owned) - Partner with Billing, Verifications, Coding, and Operations to escalate and resolve recurring issues impacting collections
- Provide feedback on upstream opportunities that impact AR performance (e.g., denials, missing documentation, payer trends)
- Support organizational initiatives and workflow changes impacting collections execution
6. Compliance & Patient-Focused Approach - Ensure all collections activities are compliant with healthcare regulations and company policies
- Maintain accurate documentation to support audit readiness and payer requirements
- Promote a patient-centered approach in all communications and account handling
- Balance financial performance with a positive patient financial experience
Qualifications Education & Experience - 7+ years of experience in healthcare AR/collections
- 3+ years in a leadership role overseeing collections teams
- Strong experience with:
- Denials and appeals processes
- Insurance follow-up and reimbursement
- AR management and aging strategies
Leadership Competencies - Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
- Strong operational leadership with focus on execution and accountability
- Ability to lead through change while maintaining team engagement and performance
Technical Skills - Strong proficiency in reporting tools, Excel, and practice management systems
- Experience with EHR/PM systems and collections platforms
- Working knowledge of CPT/ICD-10 coding and payer guidelines impacting collections
Core Strengths - Data-driven and results-oriented
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and follow-through
- Collaborative, supportive leadership style
Success in This Role Looks Like - Improved cash collections and AR reduction across all aging buckets
- Consistent productivity and quality across collections teams
- Standardized workflows driving efficiency and scalability
- Strong team engagement, accountability, and development
- Clear visibility into performance through KPI management
