Job Title: Adult Guardianship Tax Clerk

Grade: 16 AFSCME 31, Local 3969

Location: Adult Guardianship Division

Accounts Department

Salary: $62,995

SUMMARY: It is the responsibility of the Accounts Department Tax Clerk to prepare federal and state income tax returns for indigent persons under guardianship of the Cook County Public Guardian; to prepare and submit real estate property tax exemption applications; to facilitate payment of real estate taxes for persons under guardianship; and to prepare comprehensive financial accounts and pleadings for the Court for persons under the guardianship of the Cook County Public Guardian.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university. Must be proficient in preparation of federal and state individual tax returns. Must be proficient in the use and functionalities of Turbo Tax tax preparation software. Must be proficient in the use and functionalities of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Outlook. Must have excellent organizational, computation, professional, oral and written communication skills. Must have knowledge of basic computer skills. Must be able to work independently and as part of a team to meet constant deadlines. Must be able to work effectively with Court personnel, outside vendors, internal staff, and family members of persons of guardianship.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following core duties and tasks are fundamental to the performance of the job and must be performed pursuant to office policy. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Prepare federal and state income tax returns in a timely manner.

2. Gather all necessary documents and information pertinent to accurate preparation of federal and state income tax returns.

3. Communicate with attorneys and staff to gather information pertinent to preparation of the federal and state income tax returns.

4. Review and analyze ledgers, financial documents and information provided by other Departments to obtain information necessary to prepare accurate tax returns.

5. Ensure copies of prepared tax returns are emailed and printed in order for them to be signed by Accounts Department Supervisor and uploaded to OPG database.

6. Track all persons under guardianship in need of pro bono tax preparation to ensure their tax issues have been addressed before deadlines pass.

7. Review and interpret transcripts from the Internal Revenue Service to determine if the persons under guardianship have outstanding tax issues requiring action.

8. Review and interpret transcripts from the Internal Revenue Service to gather income information.

9. Communicate effectively and timely with the tax team to ensure timely preparation and filing of tax returns.

10. Communicate effectively and clearly with external tax preparation firms to address issues and questions related to accurate preparation of tax returns.

11. Communicate effectively and clearly with assigned attorneys to address issues and questions related to accurate preparation of tax returns

12. Communicate effectively via telephone, email, and writing with nursing facilities and financial institutions to obtain tax documents pertinent to accurate preparation of tax returns.

13. Prepare tax return extension requests for persons under guardianship.

14. Prepare comprehensive annual and final court accountings for indigent persons under OPG guardianship.

15. Prepare final accounts and pleadings for the purpose of transferring persons under OPG guardianship to the Office of the State Guardian.

16. Review and analyze ledgers, financial documents and information provided by other Departments to obtain information necessary to prepare accurate and complete accounts.

17. Follow up with and communicate with assigned attorney, case managers and other Departments on all issues identified in the course of preparing each account.

18. Prepare fee petitions and other pleadings to be presented to the court.

19. Obtain copies of court files and approved accounts.

20. Prepare various Notices associated with account preparation, i.e., Notices of Approved Account, Notices of Discharge.

21. Assist with various miscellaneous administrative duties including, but not limited to maintaining internal Department databases and entering various dates in OPG Adult Guardianship database.

22. Maintain and organize database of real estate persons under guardianship own or in which they have an interest.

23. Maintain real property tax payment tracking system and organize and facilitate payment of real estate taxes for all real estate persons under OPG guardianship own or in which they have an interest.

24. Prepare and submit real estate property tax exemption applications and Certificates of Error.

25. Communicate effectively via telephone, email, and in writing with various Cook County offices and out of county/state offices to obtain real estate tax bills and tax payment history.

26. Gather and organize information necessary for preparation of real estate tax exemption applications.

27. Communicate with assigned attorneys and/or case managers to gather information and facilitate payment real estate taxes and preparation of property tax exemptions.

28. Attend team meetings, Department meetings and trainings as required by Office and/or Department Supervisor.

29. Work cooperatively with office staff.

30. Respond promptly to calls, email, regular mail and other inquiries daily or in an otherwise timely manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· On acontinuous basis, sit at adesk for long periods of time in front of a computer screen;

· Intermittently twist to reach equipment or supplies surrounding desk;

· Perform simple grasping and fine manipulation;

· Strength to lift files weighing up to 20 pounds;

· Use telephone and computerkeyboard on a daily basis.

This position requires a pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check. Applicants are advised that as a Drug Free Workplace, use of medical or recreational marijuana is prohibited and will disqualify a candidate from employment.

THE OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

April 2024

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,995.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Experience level:

• Under 1 year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60602