Account Clerk I FT

Job Title

Starting Compensation: $35,217.00/Annually

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Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

• Critical customer service position, serving the public in person and over the phone, in a highly professional manner requiring effective multi-tasking in a busy office environment.
• Works primarily with Tax Claim staff assisting the public with outlined daily support functions under the primary direction of the Assistant/Deputy Director of Tax Claim and the Assistant Deputy Treasurer.
• The team member should expect to fulfill the following and similar tasks under the Tax Claim Bureau within the Treasurer's Office.
• This is a frontline major customer service position directly responsible for working with taxpayers in person and over the phone in current and delinquent real estate tax collection matters. The position requires someone who is confident in handling all sorts of different payments, including numerous cash payments in which some transactions are large cash payments.
• The position requires someone who is comfortable with giving change and is overall good with numbers, from an analyzing and interpreting data standpoint, as they will be required to understand and explain reports, receipts and statements to both internal and external customers.
• The County Revenue and Collections Service Specialist works within a highly professional and administrative role serving as the main line of communication with taxpayers, providing guidance on all tax-related matters.
• The County Revenue and Collections Specialist is directly responsible for working with taxpayers, communicating with them the tax collection process and subsequent options once their accounts are placed with the Tax Claim Bureau.
• The County Revenue and Collections Specialist works with Assessment to update taxpayer parcel information that is determined to be incorrect.
• The County Revenue and Collections Specialist will be the intermediary between various social services, senior services, constituent services, and other agencies to refer taxpayers to applicable support networks should the need arise.
• The County Revenue and Collections Specialist will assist PennDOT in tracking, payment and titling of Mobile Homes.
• The County Revenue and Collections Specialist will perform individual audits pertaining to their work to assure account accuracy, opening and processing delinquent county/municipal/school tax payments and assisting customers at the counter and via phone/email.
• Under the direction of the Assistant/Deputy Director of Tax Claim, the team member will provide direct support during tax sale preparation and interact daily with constituents to assist in bringing their delinquent accounts current.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position primarily reports directly to the Assistant/Deputy Director of Tax Claim on Tax Claim matters and the Assistant Deputy Treasurer for functions of the Treasurer's Office.
• There are no direct reports to this position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Tax Claim Bureau – 90%

• Open incoming mail, accurately prepare payments received for prior year real estate taxes through accurate and efficient use of computers relating to data entry.
• Balance information entered by comparing accounting reports and calculator tape payments received.
• Provide front line assistance to customers at the counter and provide excellent customer service.
• Submit balanced reports and checks to supervisor to include in daily deposit and in other situations, prepare the daily deposit.
• Provide receipts for individuals making payments.
• Open, process, sort and post mail; prepare bills for mailing including sorting, organizing and bundling.
• Provide payment options, assistance program(s) information, and contact county agencies to refer delinquent taxpayers in need of financial assistance.
• Research delinquent homeowners and communicate with them to discuss account and provide referral support services, if necessary.
• Front line constituent support; receive, screen and direct calls; provide information related to area of assignment as necessary.
• Work with PennDot to request Mobile Home title information.
• Upload credit card payments into DEVNET and reconcile each batch upload to make certain DEVNET credits the correct account.
• Proficient understanding of all laws pertaining to the Tax Claim Bureau, including Real Estate Tax Sale Law (RETSL) and Local Tax Collection laws.
• Work with Tax Claim supervisors and solicitor on legal tax collection matters.
• Prepare Upset Tax Sale/Judicial Sale files through researching property owner information, sorting, alphabetizing, and filing various sale related documents in appropriate folders and assisting in providing legal services to delinquent account owners.
• Provide approved information to be submitted to social service agencies should a delinquent taxpayer qualify under applicable program for assistance.

Treasurer's Office Division–10%

• Open incoming mail, accurately accept and process payments received for current year real estate taxes through accurate and efficient use of computers relating to data entry.
• Balance information entered by comparing accounting reports and calculator tape payments received.
• Submit balanced reports and checks to supervisor to include in daily deposit.
• Provide receipts and/or tax certifications for individuals making current year real estate tax payments. - Open, process, sort and post mail; prepare bills for mailing including sorting, organizing and bundling interim tax bills, reminder notices and other correspondence.
• Email/mail tax receipts to constituents.
• Receive money from other departments and prepare daily bank deposits
• Receive, screen and direct incoming calls; provide information related to area of assignment as necessary.

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

• Attend and participate in team group meetings as required.
• Perform other duties assigned by supervisor(s).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED equivalent required. Associates degree or business trade school degree preferred.
• Knowledge of modern office technologies.
• Accounting and bookkeeping experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent communication skills.
• Proficient in use of office equipment including personal computers, 10-key calculator, fax, copier, etc.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Detail oriented with excellent mathematical skills.
• Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to get along well with others.
• Ability to multi-task

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

• Must be able to pass pre-employment criminal background check

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time

The County of Lancaster offers comprehensive benefits to our employees. Read more about our benefits here. Lancaster County Government provides Equal Employment Opportunity for all persons regardless of race, religion, age, sex, national origin, genetic information or disability. The County also observes all applicable laws regarding Veterans status. The County reflects this action in all areas of employment and compensation practices and policies. Employment with the County is based upon the ability to perform the job as well as dependability and reliability once an individual is hired.