Legal Recoveries Officer

We're on a mission to become the best specialist lending company in New Zealand and Australia, and we're looking for ambitious, driven people to help get us there.We've got bold goals and a clear vision for the future.
That means exciting opportunities for those ready to champion new ideas, challenge the status quo, and grow alongside us.If you're hungry to make an impact, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and love turning ideas into action - you'll feel right at home here.Reporting to the Collections Team Leader, the purpose of this role is to take ownership of complex debt recovery matters, managing files through all stages, from early collections to legal assessment, litigation, and enforcement.
This strategically important role will strengthen our legal recovery capability and drive long-term improvements in how we manage high-risk and delinquent accounts.
You will manage challenging files end-to-end, initiate legal action where appropriate, oversee litigation outcomes, and ensure full compliance with relevant legislation.
Working closely with internal teams and external legal partners, you will play a key role in shaping policy, building robust procedures, and embedding best-practice frameworks for secured and unsecured debt recovery across Australia.This is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives on autonomy, enjoys creating structure, and is passionate about improving recovery outcomes and helping build a best-in-class legal recoveries function.As a Legal Recoveries Officer, you can expect toPrepare and lodge legal documentation (e.g., letters of demand, statements of claim, default judgments, enforcement actions) and coordinate process serving across Australian jurisdictions.Liaise with external counsel and law firms on litigation strategy, enforcement options, and court proceedings.Manage a portfolio of delinquent secured and unsecured loans through litigation, insolvency, and recovery phases, assessing files for legal feasibility and risk.Negotiate payment arrangements, settlements, and dispute resolutions with borrowers, guarantors, and third parties, maintaining professionalism and recovery focus.Maintain accurate, audit-ready case files and legal records, ensuring compliance with frameworks such as the NCCP Act, Privacy Act 1988, and ACCC/ASIC Debt Collection Guidelines.Monitor litigation outcomes and settlement trends, preparing internal reports and updating legal precedents, manuals, and workflow tools as needed.Collaborate with internal Collections and Credit teams to align recovery actions with customer strategies and support improvements to late-stage recovery processes.Track litigation diaries and deadlines, draft formal correspondence, and provide general administrative and operational support for the legal recoveries function.What we look for in a candidate2-5 years' experience in legal recoveries, commercial collections, or debt litigation, ideally within financial services.Sound knowledge of Australian civil procedure, enforcement processes, and key frameworks including the NCCP Act, Privacy Act, ASIC, and ACCC debt collection guidelines.Proven ability to assess recovery strategies based on credit risk, cost-benefit, and legal feasibility.Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting legal documentation and managing case files to a high standard.Proficient with legal research tools and case management systems, with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple matters under pressure.A collaborative team player; law student (2nd or 3rd year) or paralegal experience highly regarded but not essential.
What's in it for me?
Within the Avanti Finance Group, you can look forward to flexible and hybrid working arrangements, including up to two days working from home following your initial training period.
We support our communities through initiatives like Duffy Books and an Annual Volunteer Day.
We celebrate diversity and talent development through an established capability framework that empowers your growth while achieving business goals.
We offer competitive remuneration packages, and additional benefits such as fresh fruit, Healthy Food Guide Memberships, and increased Kiwisaver matching to support your well-being.Our core values guide us: People First: We care deeply - for our team, customers, partners, and communities.
We support you to show up as yourself and do your best work.
Relentlessly Helpful: We make things happen by helping customers, colleagues, and our community.
We aim to make the impossible possible.
Do What's Right: We act with integrity, trust, and transparency, always doing the right thing.We're committed to building a workplace where people are challenged, supported, and inspired to excel.
When our people thrive, our business thrives.Join Avanti and be part of a team that's ambitious, purposeful, and making a real difference.