Accounting Specialist I (Tax & Permit)

Accounting Specialist I (Tax & Permit) Atlanta, GA, United States Job Description Position open until 12/19/2025 Salary: $40,945.05 annually General Description and Classification Standards The Tax & Permit Specialist I assigned to the Atlanta Police Department, License and Permit Unit is responsible for processing and maintaining tax and permit applications in accordance with City ordinances, local regulations, and state laws. The role involves reviewing applications and supporting documentation, verifying compliance, and ensuring timely issuance of tax certificates and permits. Specialists perform accurate data entry, account maintenance, and financial processing within the City’s account management systems. This position provides higher level accounting support in one or more of following areas: accounts receivable, billing and collections support. This is an experienced, skilled, or technical accounting level capable of carrying out most assignments typical of the position or specialty with limited guidance or review. This role is a non-supervisory position. Supervision Received Works under general supervision with review and advice from manager or supervisor. Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Checks and verifies accounts receivable and accounts payable records. Prepares invoices and vouchers. Types, files, and posts ledger and general journal entries. Balances accounts receivable, accounts payable records. Uses automated systems to input data, generate reports, conduct specialized research projects, and respond to inquiries. Provides administrative support in collections process. Prepares outstanding accounts reports and gathers credit and/or reference information. Maintains databases by entering, updating, and retrieving data as well as formatting and generating reports. Assists in resolution of outstanding invoice problems from past due accounts. Responds to inquiries from customers or external collection resources. Identifies opportunities to further; improves efficiency and effectiveness of processes, procedures, and information reporting. Deals professionally, effectively, and appropriately with all personnel and customers. Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with all department personnel, City officials and outside professionals. Maintains knowledge base of information related to Office of Revenue processes to provide best in class customer service by answering customer concerns confidently and accurately. Provides Monthly financials analysis reporting on all revenue’s streams through various subsystems, such as business licensing, Oracle, etc. Manages the billing process for assigned revenue stream prescribed by ordinance. Contacts customers across all revenue streams to identify payment anomalies. Contacts customers monthly to update contact information and collect outstanding revenue. Analyzes and explains monthly revenue anomalies and determine the impact on revenues on a monthly or annual basis. Resolves Siebel Service Requests (SRs) within 5 business days. Reduces aged receivables. Answer customer inquiries via personal contact, phone, and/or email. Processes requisitions for contracted supplies, services, leases. Processes direct pays invoices for license review board, wireless service, E911 databases, Tower dump court order subpoenas for wireless, and bank statement invoices for criminal investigations. Researches invoices verifying payment status. Examines accounts, and researches and resolves challenging reconciliation problems. Coordinates with requester upon receipt of goods/services. Maintains APD invoices and requisition/POs files to maintain audit readiness. Assists and coordinates with vendors, APD/COA employees, and departments on resolution conflicts related to Procurement. Assists with the closeout of old/unused POs to avoid an adverse effect on available funds by DOF/DOP deadlines. Assists with data gathering needed to formulate the proposed budget process (budget book). May place calls or send messages to those with unresolved issues. May perform other duties as assigned. The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. COA may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization. Qualifications Knowledge Skills and Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully, it is not an exhaustive list. Knowledge of GAAP policies and procedures. Knowledge of cash management, billing, and accounts receivables as necessary in the completion of daily operational responsibilities. Knowledge of financial and accounting practices, policies, and procedures. Skill in use of Microsoft Office, accounting software, databases. Good planning and organizational skills. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office, accounting software, databases, and good interpersonal skills. Excellent technical, oral, and written communication skills to effectively communicate across all levels of management and employees. Skill in providing outstanding customer satisfaction (internally and externally). Skill in providing detail oriented and organized work products. Skill in performing proactively and with flexibility. Skill in working cooperatively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management to maximize performance, creativity, problem solving, and results. Analytical skills to research, report, and troubleshoot process inefficiencies. Good organizational, human relations, and technical skills. Ability to handle escalated issues. Ability to train new employees and/or interns. Ability to compile simple reports. Ability to use independent judgment and discretion. Ability to process numbers quickly and accurately. Ability to spot inconsistencies and either troubleshoot issues as they arise or escalate to higher level. Ability to multi-task in a high energy and fast paced work environment; Ability to deal with confidential matters tactfully and with good judgment. Ability to work as a collaborative team player working out solutions for delivery. Ability to follow direction and work independently. Ability to follow policies, procedures, plans, and activities. Ability to follow long-term goals for the department to promote effectiveness and efficiency. Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operational needs, etc. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, and members of the public. Ability to assemble information. Ability to follow regulations, procedures, and related information. Ability to compile and explain complex reports. Ability to read, understand, and interpret collection reports and related materials. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience Associate’s Degree in Accounting or related field with two (2) years of experience in accounting. Licensures and Certifications None Preferred Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related financial field, with five (5) years of experience in accounts receivable and/or billing organization. Intermediate level skill in use of Microsoft Office Suite and accounting software databases preferred. Work Environment Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job. Lifting Requirements: Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department. The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.