Senior Tax Technician

Overview

The City of Salem, an Affirmative Action and EEO employer, welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and recognizes the benefits of a diverse workforce. Therefore, the City of Salem is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disabilities, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors.

The City of Salem is proud to be a Certified Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program employer.

Description

Performs intermediate administrative support work assisting with State income, real estate, personal and business property, business license taxes, and the general operation of the Commissioner of the Revenue's office, assisting the public, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Essential Functions

• Receives incoming calls; handles inquiries or complaints in person or by telephone; forwards calls and directs visitors to appropriate party.
• Enters a variety of data into computer; verifies statistical and other records for accuracy and completeness; enters and retrieves sensitive and restricted information into computer system.
• Maintains confidential, complex, and detailed files and records.
• Assesses, discovers, and audits all classes of personal and business property, machinery and tools, and tax abatements.
• Conducts assessments of applicants to determine eligibility for various programs; assists citizens with the completion of tax relief applications; issues yard sale permits.
• Evaluates, processes, and approves renewals for all business licenses, meals taxes, transient occupancy taxes, admissions taxes, and short term rentals.
• Prepares and produces bills; analyzes, processes, audits, and prepares accounting and reconciliation reports.
• Audits and reviews tax returns for accuracy and completeness; prepares daily assessment vouchers for State Income Tax.
• Processes and reports State income taxes, estimated taxes, and taxes due.
• Assists taxpayers with the preparation of tax forms, declaration of personal property, and completion of license applications; responds to routine questions concerning tax laws.
• Gathers and compiles detailed information. Prepares reports and documents.
• Prepares mailings for personal property taxes and tax relief. Processes incoming mail, faxes, and emails.
• Performs specialized departmental tasks and duties as assigned.
• Assists senior staff with various duties as needed.

• Participates in a variety of in-service training programs, certifications, and recertifications as required to stay abreast of State Code changes, property tax, business license, and fiduciary tax valuation and administering.

Requirements

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Special Requirements

Requires working with the public by phone, fax, mail, email and in office Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Education & Experience

High school diploma or GED with coursework in business administration or related field and considerable experience in administrative support and office operations, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in personal property taxation preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, equipment, and office assistance techniques; comprehensive knowledge of business English, spelling, and arithmetic; thorough knowledge of the organization and functions of the department and of general administrative policies and practices; Moderate knowledge of laws and administrative of policies governing real, personal property, and State income taxes; skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; ability to prepare and maintain detailed financial records and reports; ability to make arithmetical calculations quickly and accurately; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, internal departments, City officials, other localities, other State agencies, and the general public.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires standing, walking and sitting and occasionally requires stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).