A desire to help people has been at forefront of Riana Ferreira’s career choices

What does Collect A Debt do?

Collect A Debt is a registered debt collection company that specialises in all aspects of the collection of consumer and commercial debt, with local and international clients.

Collect A Debt offers a fully inclusive integrated service, from conventional debt collection processes (including personal visits) to the whole legal process, from invoice to judgment (including financial inquiries that may lead to warrants of arrest, where debtors were warned to appear and did not attend court).

What are your main tasks each day?

I have three doors that lead into my office and  anyone is welcome to come in to discuss something or ask for advice. This applies to my staff, clients and debtors.

I also attend court proceedings to assist attorneys.  I receive about 200 e-mails each day and need to pay attention to them.

Every day is challenging and new, and that’s what I absolutely love. It has been almost 30 years since I started in this industry. I do plan my day, but there is often an issue that crops up, unplanned, that I need to attend to.

I also keep up-to-date with compliance within the debt collection industry and focus on strategic planning.

I work with my two sons, as part of my succession plan, so expose them to the important aspects of the industry and assist them with queries and advice.

How did you end up where you are?

Hard work, many hours of strategic planning and execution, and a love for what I do and for my incredible team. Also, I have dedicated long hours to this work and believe that we offer a service that will ultimately be of value.

What advice do you have for people who are deeply in debt?

Try to avoid debt review or administration as it is costly. I have found that creditors are quite willing to negotiate amicable payment arrangements on condition that you keep to your agreement.  

Draw up a realistic monthly budget indicating your income and necessary expenses with supporting documents and make an offer of repayment by committing to an amicable arrangement with each creditor. 

Do not ignore your debt and think it will disappear overnight.

How has the pandemic affected people in terms of debt?

Unemployment has affected the debt crisis for companies and individuals, and small businesses have really suffered.

But the pandemic has also encouraged people to diversify their income, which has added value. Companies and individuals have also found ways to cut back on expenses and luxuries, thus reducing their debt risk.

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be a nurse, starting with a degree in social work, then changing, midcourse, to study human resources.  I always wanted to try to help make people's lives better.

Now, in my current field, I am advocating for a debt-free lifestyle.

What is your go-to career advice?

Strong business principles and ethics, coupled with a strong belief in what you do and, as always, working hard to achieve your goals. There are no shortcuts, so do it the right way  every time.

Debt collection is certainly one of the most rewarding occupations, if you have what it takes.