Collections Field Officer

Collections Field Officer

Salary - $57,811

The Collections Field Officer is responsible for enforcing state tax laws by securing compliance from delinquent taxpayers through field investigations, asset identification, payment arrangements, and enforcement actions. This role requires independent judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to interact professionally with taxpayers, businesses, and legal entities in potentially sensitive situations. The Collections Field Officer will also serve as primary point of contact for businesses for the life cycle of accounts in assigned sections of the state. Appropriately addressing internal and external customer issues while respecting business needs.

The functions performed by employees in this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• This position serves as a field tax analyst, leading and coordinating efforts to ensure alignment in the collection of delinquent taxes, enforcement of cigarette and tobacco laws, and the assistance and education of Oklahoma business owners.
• Manage and prioritize an assigned caseload with minimal supervision by evaluating relevant data, reviewing applicable laws and procedures, determining appropriate courses of action, and providing taxpayers with clear, detailed action plans to meet deadlines.
• Serve legal documentssuch as business closure orders, license revocations, injunctions, and other notices of legal actionto businesses that are not in compliance with state tax laws.
• Examine and investigate records, reports, and business practices to ensure compliance with state laws; determine and implement appropriate collection methods, including negotiating payment plans in accordance with policy.
• Direct field visits at business establishments to verify permits, licenses and tax compliance with state laws and regulations. Identify and register businesses who are actively selling or leasing tangible personal property in Oklahoma without a permit as required by statute.
• Conduct routine tobacco and cigarette inspections at retailers and wholesalers. Verify permits and licenses, inspect products and invoices, and confiscate noncompliant products in accordance with Oklahoma statutes and rules.
• Educate owners at new and established businesses on the provisions of various tax laws, basis of liability, and assist taxpayers with filing state sales tax and remittance of payment through the electronic payment system.
• Manage verbal and/or written communication with the taxpayer or account representative concerning delinquent or noncompliant inquiries; provide summaries of findings for review.
• Engage with taxpayers in assigned regions via phone, email, and in-person visits to notify them of unpaid business tax liabilities and outstanding delinquencies. Provide guidance on the necessary steps to achieve tax compliance.
• Complete all required actions to address compliance issues, advise taxpayers of resolution options, and escalate as needed.
• Manage competing demands with focus and discipline to complete tasks and meet deadlines.
• Research and review applicable laws, regulations, and procedures to provide taxpayers detailed action plans.
• May be required to serve as the agency's witness for court proceedings as it pertains to the validity and collection of outstanding liabilities and delinquencies.
• Assists in projects as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Basic accounting methods and principles; business tax laws.
• Effective records management, organization and file maintenance.
• Financial record interpretation, including wholesaler and retailer invoices.
• Extensive research techniques and methodologies.

• Office technology and computer systems, including case management databases and electronic payment systems.

Skills in

• Highly effective verbal & written communication, including conflict resolutions and de-escalation practices.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, time management and negotiation skills.
• Detail-oriented with research and investigative experience.
• Proficient with office software and desktop productivity tools, such as Microsoft Office programs and google Docs
• High level of accuracy and efficiency in data entry tasks.

Ability to

• Review, analyze, and calculate tax liabilities.
• Exercise independent judgment and provide prompt service.
• Establish and maintain a positive, effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate de-escalation techniques to manage difficult interactions, while maintaining professionalism and fostering positive outcomes.
• Effectively multi-task, set priorities and manage time to meet deadlines.
• Inspect records to determine compliance; Determine tax liability.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain a professional, positive manner when interacting with internal and external customers.
• Construct various types of reports for field planning.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business, public administration, or a related field
• AND two (2) years of experience in auditing, accounting, finance, taxation and revenue, credit collections, or investigative work
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within assigned territory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three (3) or more years of professional experience in auditing, accounting, finance, or similar field
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
• Previous tax or government knowledge
• Experience using tax and revenue administration software platforms.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time. Exhibit manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to operate a computer, keyboard, photocopier, telephone, calculator and other office equipment. Ability to see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids. Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels, with or without aids. Ability to communicate clearly. Physical ability to lift up to 15 pounds, to bend, stoop, climb stairs, walk and reach.

Special Requirements

Extensive travel is required for this position. Applicants must have reliable transportation and able to perform all job-related travel. Possession and maintenance of a valid Oklahoma state driver's license is also required.

Oklahoma Tax Commission's normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm. This schedule may require minor flexibility based on the needs of the agency.

Telework may be required based on the needs of the agency, division, and section. If applicable, applicant must be willing and able to work BOTH on-site and telework at an off-site location, generally in the applicant's home. Applicant must have a secure internet connection and a dedicated telephone (landline) or smart phone device during scheduled working hours.

This position has access to Federal Tax Information (FTI) and is required to uphold the strictest standards of confidentiality as an essential part of its job responsibilities. This includes safeguarding all tax information obtained from records, files, tax returns, and departmental investigations, whether in paper, electronic, or verbal form.