Tax Specialist

Performs responsible clerical and customer service duties in the listing, billing, and collections of taxes and maintenance of property and tax records.

 

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs varied customer service to assist taxpayers to list property ownership, collect payments for taxes, and respond to inquiries on property records and valuations.  Work includes data entry of tax payments and listings into computerized data bases, preparation of correspondence and records, and file maintenance. Accuracy is required in making calculations, in handling money, in listing and in entering data into the computer.  Some independent judgment and initiative is exercised within limits of prescribed policies. Tact, courtesy and diplomacy are required in dealing with sensitive issues and/or difficult customers. Work is performed under the supervision of the Tax Administrator and is evaluated by observation, review of records, periodic audits, feedback from customers and annual performance evaluations.

Essential Duties and Tasks

-Provides customer service by telephone, in person and by email; answers inquiries about tax bills, property records, property valuations, exemption, procedures and requirements or refers to others as necessary; provides tax certifications to attorneys, lending institutions and taxpayers.

-Receives payments from customers for real and personal property taxes; provides receipts for payments; collects mail and drop box, posts payments to computerized database; balances cash drawer daily and shares responsibility for preparing and making bank deposits

-Performs a variety of clerical duties to support office functions including opening, sorting and distributing mail; organizing listing forms, stuffing envelopes and mailing listing forms, late listing bills, etc.; preparing and sending correspondence to taxpayers who fail to list property and filing forms, correspondence, etc.

Additional Job Duties

-Provides back up to other staff.

-Performs related duties as required.

 

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

 

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

-Working knowledge of modern office procedures and related office information technology equipment, specialized tax software, and peripherals.

-Skill in data entry in an automated environment and in the use of a computer, 10-key calculator, fax and copy machines and other equipment as needed in the performance of duties.

-Skill in customer service excellence and collaborative conflict resolution.

-Ability to work accurately with money, checks, data and figures and accurately perform standard mathematical calculations.

-Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files and reports in proper order for processing and easy retrieval.

-Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms and to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.

-Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, taxpayers and the general public.

-Willingness to work with and train new employees, if requested.

 

Physical Requirements

-Must be able to physically perform the life operational support functions of stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

-Must be able to perform sedentary work exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.

-Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, operate a computer terminal, and do extensive reading.

 

Desirable Education and Experience

-Graduation from high school and experience in working with tax, real estate and/or collections operations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

-Must have Microsoft office suite experience and working knowledge of spread sheets.