A billing supervisor oversees a business's billing activities, whether it's sending out bills, accepting payments or handling collections activities when someone doesn't pay a bill. With this is mind, if you want to become a billing supervisor, then you will need some form of higher education and experience gained in an entry-level position. You also should have strong communications skills, leadership skills and math skills.
While most supervisors are expected to be good leaders, billing supervisors may feel more pressure in this regard, because their job involves making sure their employees are collecting money correctly and efficiently. Though you should be comfortable delegating tasks and disciplining employees when necessary, you also should be a good listener, because you and your employees will need to communicate effectively to handle financial issues together. You also will likely have some contact with customers, which may involve resolving complaints, so you should feel comfortable talking to new people and making compromises that satisfy both customers and your employer. Additional qualities that may help if you want to become a billing supervisor include good math skills, reading comprehension and knowledge of clerical duties.
Once you are sure you have the basic skills needed to become a billing supervisor, you should attain the proper level of education. Some positions only require a high school diploma or a degree from a vocational school that focuses on teaching the necessary skills. Most employers, however, prefer a bachelor's degree, so obtaining this level of education can give you the best chance at a career supervising billing procedures. In most cases, a degree in any subject works fine but, if you want in-depth knowledge about this field, you should consider taking courses that teach management, human resources or communication, because you will likely use these skills when you become a billing supervisor. Studying some form of math is another way to have an advantage in the job market when trying to get into bill collection.
Before you seek a job as a billing supervisor, you are advised to get some experience. This is usually easiest to do when you are in school, because many colleges provide internships or work study programs in which you start out working a few hours a week in a bill collection position to learn the basics of this subject. This allows you to put your education to work while breaking into the business, which usually gives you a better chance at a position that pays more when you graduate. If you are not in college, you can still become a billing supervisor by applying for an entry-level job and working your way up to billing supervisor by showing you have the proper skills.