Assistant Tax Collector
Job Description:
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME 1303-211
Wage: Per Bargaining Agreement (currently $27.88 per hour increasing to $28.51 July 1st)
Posting Date: May 18, 2023
General Statement of Duties
The Assistant Tax Collector is primarily responsible for assisting the Town of Stafford Tax Collector in collecting current and delinquent tax revenues consistent with procedures, applicable laws and statutory regulations of tax collection. The nature of the work involves billing and collection of personal and property tax revenues; depositing revenues and maintaining records related to the collection process, calculating any interest or penalties, recording and reconciling all receipts and answering customer inquiries. Assumes responsibility of the Tax Collection Office in the absence of the Tax Collector.
Supervision Received
Works under the immediate direction of the Town of Stafford Tax Collector.
Typical Duties
Prepares tax bills for mailing based on Town Grand List provided by the Assessor. Collaborates with Assessor and Town Clerk to update and process real property transfers, certificates of correction and links bills into statement format electronically. Corresponds with Department of Motor Vehicles regarding change of vehicle ownership and delinquent motor vehicle taxes. Receives and records payments, follows-up with taxpayers, banks and mortgage providers on unpaid balances or payment discrepancies and issues refunds in accordance with procedures, responds to tax collection inquiries and escalates complex issues to the Tax Collector. Reconciles revenue and cash receipts with accuracy daily. Routinely collects data and processes corrections in preparation of supplemental and pro-rated tax bills. Assist the Tax Collector in the preparation of reports to the Treasurer, Board of Finance, Board of Selectmen and State and Federal agencies as required.
Required Qualifications
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Associate’s degree in Business, Accounting, Public Service or related field preferred.
Connecticut Municipal Tax Collector Certification or ability to complete the CCMC Certification program within 3 to 4 years is required.
Minimum of four (4) years of administrative experience in a business, accounting or customer care center or related office setting required. Two (2) years municipality, tax collection or related public service experience preferred.
Relevant coursework or related experience or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Working knowledge of CT State Statutes pertaining to municipal tax collection and Freedom of Information Act desirable.
The Assistant Tax Collector is required to demonstrate exceptional customer service and commitment to fair and equitable treatment of all customers and maintain privacy and confidentiality. Must be organized, courteous, patient and possess a positive attitude. Must be proficient with basic office equipment, Microsoft Office applications and web navigation. Must have exceptional verbal and written skills.
Physical Requirements
The Assistant Tax Collector performs work in a professional office environment with occasional related field work. Routine use of standard office equipment is required and the noise level is typically quiet. Must be able to see and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. In the course of duties, the employee regularly stands, sits, walks, speaks and hears and occasionally reaches and bends.
Employee may work beyond normal scheduled hours during peak collection months of June through August and December through February and is required to attend meetings and training as directed.
The applicant will be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing.
Work Schedule and Benefits
This is a full-time thirty-five (35) hour work week scheduled Monday through Wednesday 8am to 4:45pm and Thursday 8am to 6:45pm. Friday and Saturday work may be required during peak collection times. This position is eligible for full benefits which currently include health/dental/vision/life insurance, 457b defined contribution retirement plan with match, and generous paid time off.
This information is intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed in this position and must not be construed to be a complete inventory of the position’s duties, responsibilities, and qualifications or as an employment contract.
Qualified applicants should submit a resume, three letters of professional reference and an application to the Town of Stafford, Attn: Human Resources, 1 Main St, Stafford Springs, CT 06076 or via email at HR@staffordct.org. The Town of Stafford employment application can be found at www.staffordct.org under Departments, Human Resources.
The Town of Stafford is an Equal Opportunity Employer