Placer County

Tax Collections Officer (#11727)

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$45.62-$56.98 Hourly / $7,907.47-$9,876.53 Monthly / $94,889.60-$118,518.40 Yearly


DEFINITION

To perform difficult and complex work in the collection of defaulted unsecured property taxes; to research and prepare investigative findings and reports which address defaulted unsecured property taxes and to present findings to the Treasurer-Tax Collector; and to pursue the collection of defaulted unsecured property taxes through the execution of attachments, garnishments, seizures and conduct orders of examination.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position classification and serves as a highly skilled, independent technical expert on the most sensitive projects including orders of examination, objections to claims, analyzing and making recommendations concerning pending legislation.  Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit and the department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Received direction from the Treasurer/Tax Manager or assigned management personnel.

Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical and clerical employees supporting the tax collection function.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Conduct investigations of defaulted unsecured property taxes, traces, locates and interviews.
  • Assess, analyze and evaluate testimony.
  • Strategically examine and analyze a variety of books and records to gather and document data concerning defaulted unsecured property taxes, initiate small claims court action to enforce collection of delinquent unsecured property taxes, seize and sell delinquent taxpayers personal property, improvements, and possessory interests for satisfaction of delinquent taxes owed.
  • File tax liens.
  • Act as agent for the Tax Collector, appear and testify in court as requested.
  • Confer with the Tax Collector or assigned supervisor, and/or staff of the County Counsel regarding the initiation of legal actions.
  • Assist County Counsel in providing information needed for legal actions.
  • Represent the County at the small claims court and may testify on other legal cases.
  • Interview taxpayers to obtain information for completion of financial statements and other information to determine payment schedules on accounts owed.
  • Contact businesses, neighbors, credit unions and other leads to trace and communicate with persons having delinquent accounts.
  • File necessary documents and prepare and provide records for recovery of delinquent unsecured property taxes subject to Federal bankruptcy.
  • Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, and review the work of assigned professional, clerical and technical staff; provide and/or coordinate staff training.
  • Assist in resolving problems and recommends methods to increase effectiveness and efficiency of collections work.
  • Train employees in collection techniques, evaluation of information obtained and collection policies and procedures.
  • Interpret collection policies, California Revenue and Taxation Code, Federal Bankruptcy law and other legal and regulatory requirements for employees and the public.
  • Produce reports; obtain collections on delinquent accounts through correspondence, telephone communications and personal interviews.
  • Maintain files and records pertaining to accounts, interpret data, prepare reports and reconcile performance statistics to performance goals and objectives.
  • Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience or Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible journey level experience interpreting and administering laws related to tax law compliance or debt collection work.

Training: Graduation from a four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in business administration, accounting or a closely related field.

Required License or Certificate:                                                                                                                 
May need to possess a valid California driver's license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

  • Property tax collection laws as prescribed in California Revenue and Taxation Code.
  • Field investigation techniques.
  • Ability to record research findings and reduce investigation outcome to writing
  • Principles and practices of supervision; workload scheduling; and priority setting.
  • General functions of a collection agency and commercial law applicable to collections.
  • Financial record keeping.
  • Particular provisions of laws, rules or regulations enforced or administered by the County.
  • Federal bankruptcy law relative to unsecured property tax collections.
  • Operations, procedures and regulations applicable in assigned department.
  • Sources of information used in locating persons.
  • Methods used for the collection of delinquent accounts.

Ability to:

  • Evaluate data and information and draw conclusions concerning compliance with California Revenue and Taxation Code and County policies and procedures.
  • Supervise, coordinate, train and evaluate the work of assigned staff. 
  • Review and interpret documents related to Office operations; observe, identify and problem solve office operations and procedures; understand, interpret and explain department policies and procedures; explain operations and problem solve office issues for the public and with staff. 
  • On a continuous basis, sit at desk and/or stand at counter for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist and reach office equipment; write and use keyboard to communicate through written means; communicate clearly by telephone and in person; lift light weight.
  • Interpret and apply to specific cases, the provisions of laws, rules or regulations enforced or administered by the Treasurer Tax Collector. 
  • Prepare reports and maintain records.
  • Analyze unsecured property tax and collection related situations accurately and take effective actions. 
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. 
  • Write and speak clearly and effectively. 
  • Apply technical knowledge to solve problems related to the property tax collection system.

CLASS: 11727; EST: 5/1/2006; REV: 3/19/2016;