Revenue Collector I

The Buncombe County Department of Tax Collections delivers a vital service to the County, incorporated municipalities, and fire departments within Buncombe County’s borders. All employees within the department focus on fostering positive interactions with members of our community while upholding policies and procedures in accordance with State and County guidelines. We are a small, tight-knit team with a focus on delivering exceptional service to our taxpayers, while providing support and encouragement to one another. We strive to promote an environment where laughter is encouraged, and snacks are frequent.

A Revenue Collector in this position is responsible for efficiently managing, monitoring, analyzing, researching, and administering assigned accounts to maximize collection of taxes while ensuring compliance with State and County laws and policies. Responsibilities of this position also include overseeing payment arrangements and initiating actions to collect delinquent accounts, processing payments received in person and through mail, and answering common property tax related questions accurately. Resolving unique issues involving tax payments or collections efforts while maintaining departmental consistency and keeping in compliance with State and County regulations is also often required.

The ideal candidate for this position will have proven experience in the areas of customer service, cash-handling, collection, attention to detail, organization, records maintenance, and problem-solving, along with strong teamwork and communication skills.

Purpose of the position:

The purpose of this position is to provide specialized advanced administrative support in collecting and resolving tax and other revenue accounts, by setting up and managing payment plans, administering penalties for default, identifying repeat delinquent tax offenders, and initiating enforced collection actions for the County Tax Office.

During a State of Emergency, and at the discretion of the County Manager, county employees may be called in for service.  This includes both essential and non-essential personnel.

Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): High School diploma or GED, and three (3) years of experience in collections, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Training and Experience:  Notary Public and Familiar with State and County tax regulations, preferred.

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation: Tax Collection Certification completion within two years following date of employment.

Physical Requirements:  The work is primarily medium exertion requiring up to 15 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 5 pounds constantly to move objects.  Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:  balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing. Stooping, talking, visual acuity and walking/mobility.  The work primarily performed in an office environment with little exposure to temperature differences.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Collect and account for all tax monies taken over the counter through cash, check, money order, or credit/debit cards using the tax office computer systems to post payments and prepare receipts; Forced collection actions on property tax only.
• Respond to taxpayer questions regarding all revenue collection processes for all monies accepted and processed within Tax Collections.
• Establish and monitor payment plans, bank debits, wage garnishments, and bank attachments to ensure timely payments; research refunds to ensure no other debts apply before refund is issued.
• Oversee the North Carolina Debt Setoff Program for tax to collect taxes by attaching State Income Tax refunds, lottery winnings, or escheated funds.
• Research ownership of real property deed transfers to ensure all delinquent taxes that are on lien on the real estate are paid.
• Monitor name changes (marriage/divorce), 911 address changes, taxpayer contact information, and assist with vehicle tax refunds.
• Assist attorneys, mortgage holders, and others in determining delinquent or current taxes due.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• General knowledge of practices and procedures involved in collections of delinquent property taxes and other taxes, or fees collected within the tax collection department. 
• General knowledge of modern office practices and of forms and technology used in the preparation of tax office records using Microsoft Office applications, tax office software, and Document Management software.
• Knowledge of current laws and requirements for United States Postal Service.
• Knowledge of local laws, ordinances and the North Carolina General Statutes pertaining to the collection of property taxes including tax legal division and assists with title searches for in-rem foreclosures when needed.
• Knowledge of North Carolina Setoff Program for Tax.
• Knowledge of North Carolina Machinery Act and County tax policies concerning listing, billing, and collection of taxes.
• Ability to use discretion and observe confidentiality in the collection of money and assets, or during the foreclosure process.
• Ability to monitor payments, debit applications, bankruptcy filings, probate records for deceased property owners, and communicate with taxpayers regarding payment plans and other options.
• Ability to prepare records and reports concerning the collection of delinquent and current taxes.
• Ability to work effectively within multiple software systems and with multiple tax revenue types.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to communicate effectively through in-person, telephonic, and written conversation; excellent listening skills, ability to effectively multi-task.

Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, natural hair or hairstyles, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin or ancestry, marital or familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, religious belief or non-belief, age, or disability or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. EEO practices and employment decisions regarding recruitment, hiring, assignment, promotion and compensation shall not be based on any of these protected classes. In addition, the County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.