Accounts Receivable Management Company Adding 600 New Employees

HOUSTON — As the global economic collapse of last year settles out, most U.S. companies consider themselves fortunate to remain profitable. But during each recession, there are always those like United Recovery Systems, LP who find a better, smarter way to work and flourish in turbulent times.

The Houston based accounts receivable management company has hired over 300 new employees since January 1 and expects to add another 300 within the next 6 months.

Surprisingly, U.S. consumer debt dropped by over $100 billion from September 2008 to July 2009. This decline reverses a 50-year upward trend in the $2.4 trillion debt load carried by American consumers.

Company president Jim Kelleher says the apparent contradiction makes sense in the context of the current economic crisis. "As the market started to fall last year, individuals and businesses began to circle the wagons in order to get themselves on firm financial ground," he said.

"Now, a year later, they have less debt but also less income than last year. That makes repayment more difficult, and collection firms have been forced to adapt," said Kelleher.

Indeed United Recovery Systems is one of a few remaining accounts receivable and debt collection companies making an effort to resolve the consumer credit mess with understanding and innovation. The company’s unique approach emphasizes working with consumers to provide debt solutions rather than a singular focus on payment.

"Working in debt collection takes a particular individual; it’s not what you might think," says Dr. Richard Faulk, a psychologist who founded his own human resources consulting firm in 1984 and is now the director of recruiting and training at United Recovery Systems. "It’s a balance of assertiveness and one’s ability to listen and respond appropriately so a resolution can be achieved. No one wants to resolve their obligations with a debt collector they don’t like," he said.

The company’s approach in creating a series of "work out" plans for clients has led to substantial growth over the past 24 months, according to the company’s national marketing director Sean Keegan.

"Everything tends to work out when we recognize problems early and deal with them head on," said Keegan. "We’ve created methods to help consumers resolve and manage their household debt, and we just need to connect with them, understand their situation, and develop a solution."

On the hiring front, statistics indicate that collection and accounts receivable companies employ approximately 409,000 professionals in the U.S. that serve a $14 billion annual industry.** Currently there are more than 4,000 positions in the credit and collection industries available on popular career websites such as CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com.

Furthermore, the head of human resources at the company’s Bryan, Texas office said that many of their experienced collectors (nearly 80% of staff) earn an average of $30 per hour and enjoy a comprehensive health-care benefits package.

Given those numbers and the current rate of unemployment, it’s no surprise that smart companies like United Recovery Systems are hiring while others in its industry struggle to survive.

About United Recovery Systems
United Recovery Systems, LP (http://www.unitedrecoverysystems.com), provides accounts receivable management services to the nation’s leading credit grantors. Founded in 1977, URS is privately held and headquartered in Houston, Texas. It operates six facilities in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Monterrey, Mexico. The company is currently accepting applications for new and experienced collectors. To learn more, visit the United Recovery Systems career website.