Sr. Revenue Tax Specialist - Payment Processing Unit

Sr. Revenue Tax Specialist - PaymentProcessing Unit

Department of Finance and Budget

Full Time, 12 Months

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 27

Benefits Eligible, VRS Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective

Performs moderate to complex tax billing, receipting and collection functions to ensure the accurate and timely collection of County revenues and interacts extensively with the public and the legal community. Works under the supervision of the Revenue Manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Essential Functions

• Participates in the processes for tax compliance outreach to enhance customer service experience and taxpayers’ awareness of their local tax responsibilities and accessibility to tax payment options.
• Seeks out process improvement opportunities in all workflows and functions within the unit and provides input and feedback in the development and improvement of financial and administrative policies and procedures.
• Shares working knowledge and experience among peer employees to enhance tax collection knowledge among teammates and provides operational support to unit employees.
• Attends various educational classes, meetings, seminars and conferences, both in-person and virtually, including those offered through the Virginia Commissioners of Revenue Association, Treasurers Association of Virginia and Virginia Government Finance Officers Association to maintain professional development .
• Provides professional, empathetic and informative assistance to the public, County departments and agencies through in person, telephone, email, virtual and written communication pertaining billing, payments, deposit, taxpayer inquiries, state and County collection laws, financial and administrative policies, tax record reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Resolves moderate problems or issues pertaining to tax billing and revenue payment by conducting review, examination, research, analyzation and adjustment in accordance with state and County tax laws, policies and procedures.
• Participates in the revenue receipting processes to ensure collected funds from all payment sources including online, kiosk, lockbox, mail-in, walk-in, drop-box, collection agencies, local courts, state agencies and vendor services are secured, timely and accurately posted, accounted, balanced, reconciled and deposited in accordance with cash management and internal control policies and procedures.
• Participates in the quality control processes to ensure accuracy in the preparation and mailing of County tax bills in accordance with billing policies and procedures.
• Maintains working knowledge of state and County collection laws to interpret and apply Title 58.1 Taxation in Code of Virginia and Albemarle County Code in operational processes.
• Participates in the collection processes of County tax revenues by effectively utilizing available collections tools and understanding debt collection limitations in accordance with state and County laws, collections policies and procedures.
• Participates in filing bankruptcy claims in accordance with operating procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Competency: Knowledge/ Skills/Abilities:

• Strong working knowledge of computers, scanners, phone queue, and Microsoft Suite of products.
• Clear understanding of confidentiality, Virginia Secrecy Act, and the laws governing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Oral and written communication skills requiring empathy, clarity, tactics and discretion to cover confidential, sensitive, or controversial material and to motivate, persuade, or influence individuals or groups.
• Time management skills to prioritize and multi-task workload to meet tight deadlines, and dynamic customer service demands.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply laws, rules, policies to a multitude of situations with solutions.
• Ability to comprehend and follow complex instructions and process procedures.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with the public, other departments and agencies.
• Ability to interact professionally under difficult circumstances and to communicate effectively under pressure.
• Ability to handle high volumes of tasks including calls and emails during peak seasons.
• Ability to make sound judgement in analyzing information and/or situation to be responsive to questions or issues.
• Demonstrated ability to train others on all aspects of assessments techniques and practices.
• Demonstrated ability to represent County in court and various professional, association and education seminars and meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to keep extremely accurate and detailed records.
• Ability to promote cultural understanding and competency and an organizational climate of equity and inclusion.
• General knowledge of tax collection authority under state and County laws, concepts of collections tools and techniques.
• Basic knowledge of governmental accounting principles.
• Strong working knowledge of payment card machines, payment kiosk
• Ability to learn and navigate complex online computer systems and software applications to access information for receipting, billing, and collections processes.
• Ability to interpret and apply various tax billing and collection laws.
  
  

Required Education And Experience

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in finance, taxation, accounting, public administration, business administration, or related field providing the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• 2 years of customer service and/or public contact experience.
• 2 years of experience as a paralegal, billing and collection, banking, tax administration, business administration or related.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications/Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• Designation of Master Governmental Deputy Treasurer or Master Deputy Commissioner of the Revenue
• Experience in a Virginia Treasurer’s Office or Commissioner of Revenue’s Office
  
  

Physical And Mental Requirements

• Physical conditions:
• Office environment
• Nature of work:
• In-person meetings
• Virtual meetings
• Telephone calls
• Presentations
• Extensive use of computers
• Operation of a variety of office equipment, including telephones, scanners, copiers, etc.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and light lifting
• Occasional vehicle or air travel for meetings, conferences, class, etc.
• Work contacts:
• Internal organization departments and other County employees
• Residents
• Elected officials
• State agencies
• Senior leadership
• Interactions:
• Exchanging information
• Responsive to questions and/or situations
• Use of tact and diplomacy
• Infrequent potential for uncooperativeness
  
  

Remote Work

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County’s Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $21.41 - $23.67 (approx. $44,542 - $49,230 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum, experience and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA Non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy,

• P-60.
  
  

Deadline For Applications

Position open until April 18, 2025

Albemarle County Core Values

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through:

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth .