Account Clerk I/II - Sales Tax

Kenai Peninsula Borough • Soldotna, AK

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction and supervision of the Accounting Supervisor – Sales tax, the Account Clerk I/II is an entry level position supporting the Sales Tax division of Finance. This position interfaces with the public for sales tax inquiries and general assistance while enforcing the applicable KPB Sales Tax Code and policies. In addition, the Account Clerk I/II assists with the administration for the Utility Special Assessment Districts and Road Improvement Assessment Districts.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• One year of experience in data entry/clerical work which included accounting
• Must be able to operate 10-key by touch, minimum 8,000 KPH
• Type 35 wpm
• Familiarity with computers/spreadsheet programs
• Prior experience in customer support roles
• Clear and effective communication skills
• Effective working independently with minimum supervision
• Basic ability to complete Essential Functions tasks 1-12 (for Account Clerk I)
• Ability to appropriately and fully complete Essential Function tasks listed on 13-20 (for Account Clerk II)

Responsibilities

• Analyze and prepare each incoming sales tax return for completeness and accuracy. Work with other departments within the finance department and contact business owners regarding information verification as needed.
• Input sales tax returns, resale and exempt applications, business registrations, group codes and other miscellaneous data using scan station and imaging verification process. Reconcile output with source documents and process correspondence as needed.
• Review returned mail and correct the sales tax system addresses when necessary.
• Meet numerous monthly deadlines as established and stated in the KPB Sales Tax Code and Policies.
• Maintain files and records systems for all batches and correspondence for the sales tax division. Prepare all documents for transfer to records management using an on-line system. Compile logs and prepare batches for microfilming and imaging.
• Be aware of all changes, potential changes and their applicability to the KPB Sales Tax Code and Policies in order to provide accurate information to the public. Disseminate sales tax information to the business community and other interested parties according to the KPB Sales Tax Code and Policies.
• Research overdue sales tax accounts when needed and relay information to owners of businesses. Respond to correspondence received via adjustments and/or additional correspondence to business owners.
• Answer telephone and provide information to the public with regard to the KPB Sales Tax Code and Policies, filing returns and/or applications, including explaining ramifications of becoming delinquent and computing applicable penalties, interest, fees and taxes due.
• Review various publications and verify that businesses are in compliance with the KPB Sales Tax Code and Policies, including contacting unregistered businesses.
• Assist in the administration and public inquiry of Utility Special Assessment Districts and Road Improvement Districts including billing, assessing penalties, interest and costs, processing correspondence letters and notices, processing statements, processing lien release documents and correspondence. Assist with collection efforts of any delinquent accounts. Public inquiry is to include answering questions regarding billing, penalties and costs as they relate to each account or district and providing pay-off information when instructed.
• Assist with year-end dissemination of sales tax collection information to adequately determine the borough’s sales tax receivable for financial reporting purposes.
• Assist sales tax division staff as needed.
• Understand the electronic transaction process and be able to troubleshoot technology issues with the tax payers.
• Understand sales tax code applicable to remote sales, and be able to determine physical presence, identify the reporting agency and taxing jurisdiction.
• Receive, update and process newly registered businesses as well as resale certificate applications, exempt certificate applications and owner-builder certificate applications on a weekly basis.
• Recognize allowable group codes in correlation to business activities and other miscellaneous data. Reconcile output with source documents and process correspondence as needed. Recognize the requirement of adjustments to accounts when necessary. Compose correspondence with businesses, file any correspondence and other supporting records in change batch for imaging and microfilming.
• Conduct interviews and provide assistance to business owners in person or via telephone, with regard to interpretation of the KPB Sales Tax Code and Policies, filing returns and/or various applications, including explaining ramifications of becoming delinquent and computing applicable penalties, interest, fees and taxes due.
• Reconcile the following general ledger accounts: sales tax refund account and sales tax credit account on a monthly basis.
• Review the Scheduler to ensure timely application of the batch process for penalties, interest, and fees on delinquent sales tax accounts.
• Act as Senior Account Clerk – Sales Tax.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED