Companies know that extending credit is risky business. Credit authorizers, checkers and clerks work to reduce that risk. Credit clerks assemble the documents and process transactions involved in loan and credit applications. Checkers verify the information on application forms. They may interview applicants to gather personal and financial data. Checkers contact banks, credit bureaus and other sources for facts about an applicant’s earnings, spending, and bill-paying habits. At times, they may need to deal with unpleasant or upset people. Authorizers decide whether to approve or deny the request for a credit account or for a new charge to an existing line of credit. They assess credit histories for accounts that are past due, overextended or in some way invalid. A high school education is generally required for an entry-level position. Helpful qualifications include fluency in another language especially Spanish, strong keyboarding skills, and a solid grasp of business math. Because electronic records and communication are streamlining this field, the field is not growing. But where the work is needed, this is a career where a job done well is certainly a credit to your company.
What they do:
Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts. Investigate history and credit standing of individuals or business establishments applying for credit. May interview applicants to obtain personal and financial data, determine credit worthiness, process applications, and notify customers of acceptance or rejection of credit.
On the job, you would:
Keep records of customers' charges and payments.
Compile and analyze credit information gathered by investigation.
Obtain information about potential creditors from banks, credit bureaus, and other credit services, and provide reciprocal information if requested.
Business
customer service
administrative services
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Safety and Government
law and government
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Cooperation
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Self Control
Stress Tolerance
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Spreadsheet programs
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.