Financial Regulatory Specialist - Personal Property Tax

City of Richmond•Richmond, VA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Personal Property Tax Specialist will play a critical role in the administration of personal property vehicle taxes, ensuring accurate valuation, assessment, and compliance while delivering exceptional customer service. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, a strong understanding of applicable tax laws and regulations, and the ability to manage high-volume transactional work.

Requirements

Knowledge of accounting and finance
Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge of electronic databases and related software applications such as DMV Mainframe, JD Powers Valuation
Knowledge of governmental tax policies and procedures
Knowledge of standard office technology and equipment
Knowledge of State and City codes pertaining to the assessment and valuation of taxes
Proficiency at Microsoft Office Suite
Data entry skills
Diplomacy
Problem-solving skills
Account management skills
Oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal communication skills
Basic mathematics skills
Customer service skills
Researching skills
Ability to interact with potentially irate or irrational customers
Ability to follow standard procedures and established practices
Ability to exhibit integrity
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor
Associate's degree in business, accounting, or related field
One year of experience in a related field
An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification
Valid Virginia Driver's License

Responsibilities

Manage Personal Property tax related tickets escalated by the Finance Customer Service Group or Personal Property Tax Technicians.
Provide courteous, accurate, and efficient service to taxpayers.
Explain complex Personal Property tax in plain language for non-tax experts.
Triage inquiries, research accounts, and resolve complex issues; escalate matters to management when appropriate.
Educate taxpayers on processes, deadlines, penalties/interest, exemptions, and documentation requirements.
Document all interactions and resolutions in the RVAPay system.
Establish the valuation of vehicle personal property for tax purposes in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and nationally accepted assessment guides.
Determine tax liability or exemption based on verification of residency, military status, and dates of vehicle ownership, referring to sources such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and official guidelines.
Investigate and determine taxpayer liability; verify and process abatements for erroneous assessments and supplements for omitted taxes.
Work with Finance team members to address and resolve complex refund-related issues involving citizens, local businesses and vehicle leasing companies.
Resolve assessment appeals and corrections, applying the appropriate tax formula, and conducting tax settlement negotiations when necessary.
Participate in quality control reviews related to billing processes to maintain data integrity and accurate tax records.
Analyze, process, verify, and assess personal property vehicles; enter taxable vehicles and assessment information into the department's databases, including RVAPay.
Maintain the departmental file system: compile documentation, prepare files, sort/organize documents, and file/scan documents as required.
Work with Department of Finance Administrative team to conduct records maintenance activities in compliance with guidelines governing record retention and shredding/destroying confidential or obsolete documents.
Safeguard confidential taxpayer information and comply with all applicable privacy and records management requirements.
Stay current on City ordinances, State statutes/regulations, and internal SOPs.
Recommend updates to procedures and workflows to improve efficiency, consistency, and taxpayer experience.
Assist with staff training (e.g., systems use, customer service, compliance protocols).