*SENIOR TAX CLERK
Pay Range GC15

INTRODUCTION

This classification plans, organizes and performs a variety of professional management tasks that are essential for the billing and collection of property taxes; provides technical assistance and training to tax office staff in the use of the automated tax system; conducts research and compiles findings for various government agencies, other outside agencies and in-house management staff; performs lead clerical/accounting duties requiring thorough knowledge of laws and procedures relating to tax collection; applies laws and regulations to individual situations; processes and maintains a variety of records and documents; performs detailed recordkeeping, provides considerable customer service; handles routine customer complaints; and performs other related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.  Any one position may not perform all listed tasks.)

1. Exercise lead responsibility over other employees engaged in duties in the tax collection office.

2. Maintain a current knowledge of property tax collection laws and regulations.

3. Administer the electronic collection system with lenders (Oregon Data Exchange) and processes electronic lockbox and third-party credit payment files.

4. Make corrections to the tax roll as ordered by the Assessor which includes the paperwork and the data entry, mail corrected statements and work closely with supervisor and others on matters pertaining to the tax roll.

5. Process refunds due to overpayments and/or orders received; sets up refund files; contacts affected parties; sets up refund batches; posts refunds to accounts.

6. Manage tax foreclosure and bankruptcy functions.

7. Monitor personal property and mobile home status to collect taxes, answers inquiries, prepares releases, files judgments, releases judgments, prepares warrants, and prepares payoff notices.

8. Process small credit and debit write-offs.

9. Set up street liens and assessments and reconcile payments and supporting documentation on a monthly basis.

10. Maintain effective working relationships and coordination of activities with the Assessor’s Office, other county department, peers and state agencies.

11. Assist the general public, businesses and title companies by providing information concerning property records or taxes.  Handles routine customer service issues.

12. Provide technical assistance and training to staff.

13. Update and maintain a current procedures manual for the tax office.

14. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of statutes and regulations governing the activities of property tax collection; considerable knowledge of automated accounting systems; reasonable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.  Skill in: Use of modern office equipment that includes automated accounting systems as they relate to recording tax monies.  Ability to:  Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; lead the work of others; provide training to employees relating to the tax collection system and procedures; work independently or within team unit; efficiently organize time to meet deadlines; use judgment and maintain confidentiality in dealing with employees and the public; courteously meet and deal effectively with employees, outside agencies and the public.

Education, experience and training: Associate’s degree in accounting or related field and two years work related experience OR four years accounting experience OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training.

Work is performed under the general direction of a technical or administrative employee.  Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience.  The employee receives general instructions regarding the scope and approach to projects and assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation.  Employee estimates and manages time efficiently.  Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in compliance with the law and departmental policy and procedure.  This position may act as lead worker to employees in lower classifications, and provide training for departmental personnel.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed under departmental policy and procedures; federal, state and county statutes, rules, regulations and procedures and in accordance to tax assessment principles and accounting principles, practices and techniques; data processing manuals and reference materials.  Considerable amount of judgment and initiative is used to interpret these guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed in an office environment and is generally sedentary; however, some positions may require bending, hearing voice conversations, keyboarding, kneeling, lifting up to 15 pounds, pulling, pushing, reaching, sitting, standing and walking.