Demo

BUSINESS LICENSE SPECIALIST

City of Columbia SC
Columbia, SC Full Time
POSTED ON 7/16/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/14/2026
Description

The Local Business License Specialist is responsible for ensuring compliance with local business license tax laws and regulations and for providing exceptional customer service to business owners and applicants regarding business license applications, renewals, and compliance.

This role involves investigating businesses to verify proper licensure, collecting delinquent taxes, educating business owners on compliance requirements, processing applications, responding to inquiries, and maintaining accurate records.. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of local business regulations/tax laws.

The work is considered sedentary and involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations. The work requires the ability to conduct inspections in various business environments with the need to lift and carry inspection equipment and perform the following essential job functions: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and is dynamic that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs.

Essential Job Functions

  • Conduct field inspections and investigations to verify business licenses and ensure compliance with local tax regulations;
  • Review business records and accounts to identify delinquent taxes;
  • Issue citations and notices for non-compliance and pursue necessary legal actions;
  • Educate business owners on local business license tax requirements and provide guidance on compliance;
  • Maintain accurate records of inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions;
  • Collaborate with other municipal departments to ensure coordinated enforcement efforts;
  • Prepare reports on enforcement activities and compliance trends;
  • Assist business owners and applicants with the business license application and renewal process;
  • Respond to customer inquiries via phone, email, and in-person regarding business license requirements and procedures;
  • Process applications, payments, and renewals accurately and efficiently;
  • Verify and update business information in the city's database;
  • Educate business owners on local regulations and compliance requirements;
  • Maintain accurate and organized records of applications and correspondence;
  • Collaborate with other municipal departments to resolve customer issues and improve service delivery;
  • Prepare reports on customer service activities and application trends; and

Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

MININUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
  • At least two (2) years of relevant work experience
  • Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

  • Strong knowledge of local business license tax laws and regulations;
  • Excellent investigative and analytical skills;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Strong organizational and time management skills;
  • Strong knowledge of local business license tax laws and regulations;
  • Excellent investigative and analytical skills;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Valid driver’s license and the ability to conduct field inspections; and
  • Possess strong organizational and time management skills.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.

To Learn More Details, Visit Our Benefits Page At

https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/

01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have at least two (2) years of experience in credentialing, licensing, compliance, or a related field?

  • Yes
  • No

03

This role requires that approximately 50% of the work be conducted in the field. Are you comfortable with this level of field-based activity?

  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have a valid Driver's License?

  • Yes
  • No
  • Required Question

Salary.com Estimation for BUSINESS LICENSE SPECIALIST in Columbia, SC
$71,769 to $86,527
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