Account Clerk I FT

County of Lancaster•Lancaster, PA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a 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. The role primarily involves assisting the public with daily support functions under the direction of the Assistant/Deputy Director of Tax Claim and the Assistant Deputy Treasurer. This frontline position is directly responsible for working with taxpayers in person and over the phone regarding current and delinquent real estate tax collection matters. The position requires confidence in handling various payments, including numerous and sometimes large cash payments, and comfort with giving change. The role demands strong numerical aptitude for analyzing and explaining reports, receipts, and statements. The County Revenue and Collections Service Specialist acts as the main line of communication with taxpayers, providing guidance on all tax-related matters, explaining the tax collection process and options for delinquent accounts. This role involves updating taxpayer parcel information with Assessment, acting as an intermediary between various social services and other agencies to refer taxpayers to support networks, and assisting PennDOT with mobile home tracking, payment, and titling. Individual audits are performed to ensure account accuracy, processing delinquent county/municipal/school tax payments, and assisting customers at the counter and via phone/email. Direct support is provided during tax sale preparation, interacting daily with constituents to help bring delinquent accounts current.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
Knowledge of modern office technologies.
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.
Must be able to pass pre-employment criminal background check.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Associates degree or business trade school degree preferred.
Accounting and bookkeeping experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Open incoming mail and accurately prepare payments received for prior year real estate taxes through efficient computer use and data entry.
Balance information entered by comparing accounting reports and calculator tape payments received.
Provide front-line assistance to customers at the counter and deliver excellent customer service.
Submit balanced reports and checks to supervisor for 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, information on assistance programs, and contact county agencies to refer delinquent taxpayers in need of financial assistance.
Research delinquent homeowners and communicate with them to discuss accounts and provide referral support services.
Receive, screen, and direct calls; provide information related to the area of assignment.
Work with PennDot to request Mobile Home title information.
Upload credit card payments into DEVNET and reconcile each batch upload.
Understand 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 by researching property owner information, sorting, alphabetizing, and filing sale-related documents.
Provide approved information to social service agencies for qualifying delinquent taxpayers.
Accept and process payments received for current year real estate taxes through efficient computer use and data entry.
Provide receipts and/or tax certifications for individuals making current year real estate tax payments.
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.
Attend and participate in team group meetings as required.
Perform other duties assigned by supervisor(s).