Fiscal Specialist (Business License and Sales Tax)

The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a full-time non-exempt Fiscal Specialist (Business License and Sales Tax) in the Finance Department. Under general supervision, this position is responsible for administering the sales tax and business license programs, including but not limited to interpreting the sales and bed tax codes, issuing business licenses, mailing sales tax and exemption forms, reviewing and processing sales tax remittances, collecting on delinquent sales tax accounts, auditing sales tax returns, issuing sales tax exemption certificates; providing backup and assistance for other department staff; and maintaining all related procedural documentation and compliance. Cross-trained in other areas of coverage in the Finance Department.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Interprets, administers, and applies sales tax and business license requirements in accordance with the Kodiak City Code. Conducts all aspects of the City’s sales and bed tax revenue collection, which includes receiving, reviewing for compliance and accuracy, processing and filing all business license applications and sales tax returns; maintaining business license and sales tax records and files; processing sales tax payments. Provides customer service and assistance to the public; answers customer questions and inquiries or refers inquiries to the appropriate party; and explains steps, appropriate forms, polices and procedures, and requirements for various transactions, services, or activities to the public. Assists business owners and the public by answering all questions relating to the business license code and sales tax code. Issues business licenses and exemption certificates to qualified registrants; provides notices to businesses that have not applied for a business license; researches tax issues/problems and takes appropriate corrective action. Performs data entry to merchant accounts, reporting any monthly and quarterly activity, including but not limited to creating accounts for new merchants; ensuring accurate entry of sales tax data, discontinue/deactivate merchant accounts; address changes; correct any duplicate accounts and electronically archive all tax records. Performs collections related activities for delinquent accounts and recommends actions such as preparing and filing liens, preparation and execution of payment agreements under the direction of the Finance Director. Prepares and mails delinquent and over/under payment notices. Generate and mail letters to all non-registrants of sales and/or bed tax; audits sales tax records for accuracy and timeliness. Enters a variety of financial information into spreadsheets and/or databases; compiles reports; tests and maintains support systems; reviews and balances transactions and ledgers; prepares journal entries. Prepares a variety of basic accounting reports and documents related to assigned area of responsibility utilizing established guidelines; disseminates information and reports to appropriate individual(s); monitors documentation compliance with internal and external regulations. Cross-train in areas of finance – accounts payable, cashier, utility bill inquiry – covering for absences and other duties as assigned. Protects the confidentiality of customer information and sales tax records. Performs other duties as assigned. High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) and Associate's degree or two-year technical certificate in accounting, business, or related field and three to five years of progressively responsible accounts receivable, accounting, or bookkeeping experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Valid Alaska Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of Basic accounting principles and practices; Accounts payable/receivable principles and practices; Customer service principles; Data entry techniques and basic report preparation techniques; Basic mathematical concepts; Recordkeeping principles; Computers and related software applications like Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and Outlook. Skill in Reconciling financial records and information; Tabulating, recording, and balancing transactions; Creating and maintaining Excel spreadsheets; Preparing journal entries; Performing mathematical calculations; Maintaining records and preparing routine reports; Operating standard office equipment including a 10-key by touch and typing; Providing customer service; Using a computer and applicable software applications like Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and Outlook; Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction. Ability to Organize own work; set priorities and meet critical deadlines; Review and understand Federal, State and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to the area assigned; Maintain computerized and manual files and records, and maintain the confidentiality of customer information/data; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to interpret, explain and apply policies and regulations applicable to the area assigned; Exercise sound judgement; Make accurate mathematical calculations; Develop and maintain financial and statistical records; Perform a variety of difficult and complex financial and statistical recordkeeping/bookkeeping work involving the use of independent judgement, accuracy and speed; Operate a computer terminal, personal computer and use applicable software applications; Assemble data and prepare clear and accurate financial statements and reports; Learn to operate job related tools and machinery to include folding and mail inserting machines; Maintain the confidentiality of customer information and data; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in course of work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, twisting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Functions of this position require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Most work performed in routine office environment with some out-of-office duties required. Regularly interacts with the general public including contacts of a complex or occasionally adversarial nature. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Kodiak