Tax Program Specialist (Collections)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE STARTING YOUR APPLICATION:

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE APPLICATION IN ITS ENTIRETY AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION BEFORE IT CAN BE SAVED IN THE SYSTEM.

YOU MUST ANSWER ALL REQUIRED QUESTIONS AND COMPLETE ALL REQUIRED SECTIONS OF THIS APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH IREDELL COUNTY

OVERVIEW & PURPOSE:

Performs a variety of technical, administrative, clerical, research, processing and public contact work in the County Tax Department, working within a specific program of specialized collections.  Performs a variety of specialized and technical duties in support of specialized Tax Department functions. Employees have responsibility for oversight of a particular portion of the Tax Departments’ delinquent collection processes, while assisting in the work of other divisions when needed.   Work is characterized by the variety and complexity of duties performed. Employees are expected to perform at the specialist level requiring knowledge of their particular programmatic area, and to have a general knowledge of the full tax process.   Work is performed using specialized accounting, word processing and data base software.  Independent judgment must be exercised in applying laws, policies and procedures to specific situations.  Areas worked include preparation of documents and oversight of procedures for foreclosures, garnishments, attachments, bankruptcy, and warrants.    Considerable tact and courtesy must be exercised in dealing with the public on tax questions in specialized areas.  Work is differentiated from the Tax Program Assistant class by responsibility for specialized portions of the collections, which require more technical knowledge and independence of action.   Accuracy is required in making calculations, in handling money, and in entering data into the computer. Work is performed under general and direct supervision, however, the employee is often assigned to work independently on a specific tax functions under limited supervision of the division Director. Work is evaluated through conferences and overall effectiveness of work performed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Works in a specific Program within the Tax Department; answers questions from the public; enters information into program-specific databases and proofs for accuracy; maintains Program files.

Answers the phone and works with customers at Division customer service desk; retrieves information and explains procedures for own Division and answers general questions about other Programs.

Backs up other Programs as needed in tasks such as processing mail and collecting payments. 

WORKING IN COLLECTIONS:

Seeks out information on businesses and individuals owing real and personal property taxes; verifies and compiles information pertaining to delinquent Taxpayers such as place of employment and bank accounts; utilizes various means to collect unpaid taxes through garnishment of wages, bank attachments, warrants or foreclosures, assuring correct legal procedures are followed. 

Calculates penalties and interest charges due on delinquent accounts; mails statements and calls delinquent taxpayers; keeps up with payments of garnishments and attachments.

Advises delinquent taxpayers as to the options they have in paying delinquent taxes.

Assists taxpayers with inquiries regarding tax payments, responding to questions or referring taxpayer to appropriate officials; calculates and tracks payment plans for delinquent taxpayers.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Assists in other Divisions and assignments as needed. 

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS,   & ABILITIES:

Considerable knowledge of the North Carolina Machinery Act and County tax policies concerning the area to which assigned in delinquent collections.

Considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures and computer databases and word processing and spreadsheet programs used in the preparation of records and conducting research.

Skill in use of required computer programs and accuracy in preparation of reports, legal instruments and data retrieval.

Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.

Ability to review information and determine problems and errors, and to apply specific program knowledge to unusual situations. 

Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the general public in explaining tax laws and policies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Ability to maintain accurately records and reports and compute figures rapidly and accurately. 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE “REQUIREMENTS”:

Graduation from High School and experience in clerical, delinquent collections and good customer service skills.

ADDITIONAL “REQUIREMENTS”:

Successful completion of Program-specific Certifications and courses in Tax Collections or Listing and Assessing course within timeframes specified by the County. Some positions require ability to be Certified as Deputy Tax Collector. 

“PREFERRED” QUALIFICATIONS: 

Customer service skills preferably in a tax-related field.

An Associate’s Degree in Accounting, Business, or related field is desirable, with some   experience in financial work;

Salary : $38,794 - $49,657