This Tax Specialist I performs skilled technical clerical work assisting Commissioner of Revenue customers with tax and relief program questions, as well as the preparation and maintenance of fiscal related records. Works under general supervision and depending on assignment, reports to either the State Income Tax/Relief Programs Supervisor, Business Tax Supervisor, or Personal Property Supervisor.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $21.07 - $24.35 per hour ($43,825.60 - $50,648.00annually).Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 13 paid holidays plus one floating holiday, vacation and sick leave, health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following retirement benefits:

Choice of retirement plan:
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.
- Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.
Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the “Benefits” tab within this posting or visit the City’s Employee Benefits webpage.To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City and Commissioner of the Revenue retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

Serves as primary point of contact for taxpayers arriving in person. Provides customer service to the public regarding Commissioner of Revenue programs in person, by telephone and through written correspondence.
Works to resolve problems or questions from customers relating to personal property, State Income taxes, business license, and/or relief programs.
Performs work in assigned area(s) which may include but not limited to:
- Business Taxes:
  - Addresses inquiries regarding local tax programs, new business tax account set up and correct business license classification; assist in processing fiduciary tax returns; review of asset listings for business tangible property tax.
  - Assists taxpayers on how to file and pay business taxes using online filling/payment system.
- Personal Property:
  - Addresses inquiries regarding personal property assessments and/or billing issues; updates tax account information.
  - Verifies information for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) database; processes reports received from DMV to determine taxable status of vehicles within City limits.
- Tax Relief/State Income Tax:
  - Addresses inquiries and obtains appropriate documentation to determine eligibility related to Tax Relief for the Elderly & Disabled; Rental Relief for the Elderly & Disabled; and Charlottesville Housing Affordability Program.
  - Assists taxpayers with filling Virginia Income Tax Returns.
Enters and retrieves data with accuracy from a variety of databases and systems.
Reviews all related filing information and data sources to ensure accuracy prior to entering information into the appropriate database.
Examines and investigates documents to ensure compliance with City ordinances and State laws.
Assists with general office/administrative duties, assists with incoming mail, and bulk mailings of information to citizens.
Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

High School diploma or GED AND 1 year of related administrative support/customer service work experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.

Preferred:

6 months in a technically oriented environment, preferably in a governmental agency.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics :
Job Knowledge

Knowledge of interviewing techniques and skill in interviewing and eliciting needed information.
General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment.
General knowledge of departmental procedures, billing, collecting and adjustments.
Knowledge of and proven skill in the use of a computer and data entry; and the ability to learn and effectively use agency's systems and software.

Reading

Intermediate: ability to read and understand written materials such as newspapers, magazines, journals, multi-step instruction manuals, and reference materials.

Writing

Basic: ability to write simple letters, paragraphs and sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses.

Math

Intermediate: ability to work with and understand number systems; simple formulas, practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement, and to perform mathematical computations with speed and accuracy.

Communication Skills

Intermediate: Proven customer service skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff, leaders, and the public. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas. Understands and maintains safeguards for sensitive and confidential information. Examples include contacts that may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond appropriately to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

Independence and Decision-Making

Requires General Direction: normally performs the job by following general instructions or established standard operating procedures and/or policies. There is some discretion when making decisions among a few easily identifiable choices of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance is reviewed frequently.

Technical Skills

Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Intermediate skill in Microsoft Office applications and/or departmental software.

Fiscal Responsibilities

No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics

Excellent organizational, time management, and customer service skills.
Working closely with others as part of a team.
Frequent change of tasks.
Constant interruptions and requests for service.
Time pressures.
Tedious or exacting work.
May require additional hours outside of normal schedule.
May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
Works effectively with sensitive and confidential issues.

Physical Demands:

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Interim Tax/Revenue jobs

Tax Specialist I

Tax Clerk I (SR-12)