GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Under direction, prepares tax billing and tax collection services for the City. Works with various external agencies to ensure compliance with tax codes, laws, regulations, and policies. Communicates with citizens and business customers regarding their tax accounts and licenses.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Respond to phone, email, and in-person inquiries from property owners, developers, and other customers regarding property tax accounts. Explain City policies and tax laws, and resolve issues in a courteous and timely manner. Respond patiently and politely, understanding that some customers may be confused or upset. 

2. Work with the Shelby County Tax Assessor’s office regarding assessment changes. Update City tax records accordingly and process refunds to customers if necessary.

3. Calculate property tax based on current tax rates and assessed values. Reconcile calculations to the City’s database. Prepare and distribute tax statements.

4. Process business license applications, which includes educating taxpayers on licensing requirements, verifying applications for completeness, and determining the appropriate license type and fee.

5. Assist taxpayers who are in a delinquent status. Research tax accounts to calculate interest and penalties. Prepare delinquent notices and distribute to property owners.

6. Prepare the annual report for the Shelby County Trustee’s office.

7. Reconcile the City’s tax files against the Trustee’s monthly collections.

8. Perform bookkeeping responsibilities related to tax and business license collections, including posting payments, balancing daily deposits, preparing daily collection reports, balancing license collections, and posting appropriate adjustments as needed.

9. Communicate with county and state agencies as well as other local governing bodies regarding policies and requirements for the tax relief program. Assist customers with tax relief program applications.

10. Maintain various tax schedules and demographic data to prepare reports for the City’s annual external audit.

11. Serve as backup to the cashier as needed.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Must be punctual and timely in meeting all job requirements, including attendance and tardiness policies and internal and external tax and license deadlines.

• Perform other tasks in the department as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of basic bookkeeping principles and cash handling procedures.

• Knowledge of applicable tax laws, ordinances, codes, and policies.

• Skill in communicating information clearly, both verbally and in writing, to internal and external customers. 

• Skill in using Microsoft Office applications, with proficiency in Word and Excel.

• Skill in using the Google platform, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Meet.

• Ability to work effectively in an environment subject to frequent interruptions.

• Ability to work independently to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

• Ability to evaluate and analyze issues, using critical thinking to research customer accounts.

• Ability to collaborate effectively on teams.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Finance, Management/ Administration, or related field, plus three years of bookkeeping or clerical office experience; or any combination of education, training, and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job functions. 

WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in an office environment. Work involves frequent contact with the public, sometimes with individuals who are confused, agitated, or upset.