Senior Collections Specialist

Overview

Responsible for collecting all taxes, fees, fines, charges, and other sums due the City of Boston, with particular emphasis on delinquent accounts.

Responsibilities

• In the absence of the manager, has responsibility for the supervision of the Collections Specialists and related function(s).
• Assists in the training of new staff as needed. 
• Assists the public by providing respectful, courteous and knowledgeable customer service, regarding the payment of real estate, personal property, motor vehicle, boat taxes to the public and other City employees via written correspondence, personal (on-site) and telephone inquiries effectively and efficiently.
• Gives notice of, serves, and executes any warrant committed by the Collector.
• Assists customers with research and resolving complex questions and issues related to Collecting transactions, forwarding only unusual items to the Supervisor as needed.
• Receives, records, and reports payments of taxes and various municipal assessments. 
• Verifies the accuracy of interest computed on delinquent tax bills. 
• Deals effectively with the public on the telephone, by electronic communication, and in person.
• Facilitates the collection of the condo-conversion tax (Tregor Tax). Reviews master deeds, checks real estate tax history, stamps the Master Deed, and collects tax.
• Calculates past due taxes, including interest and fees, and accounts in Tax Title status. 
• As part of a Foreclosure Prevention strategy, sends Delinquent Tax notifications to provide customers with a point of contract and access to resolutions to prevent foreclosure. 
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience in accounting, auditing, or related field, with a concentration in customer service and collections.
• An associate's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field is preferred and may be substituted for a maximum of one (1) year of experience. Bachelor's degree in the above-named field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.  
• This position requires good judgment and attention to detail and strong research-minded skills complemented by a good working knowledge of applicable tax laws, policies and procedures and supported by strong customer service and problem solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; to follow oral and written instructions and procedures; to conduct research and to review data; and to work independently as well as in diverse team
• Knowledge of Massachusetts General Laws and City of Boston policies and procedures (e.g., Motor Vehicle and Boat Excise tax, Real Estate and Personal Property tax, Tax Title, Boat Mooring, etc.) pertaining to this position is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Suites preferred.
• Competency in the use of the MUNIS Tax Billing and Collection system is preferred. 

 

This is an in-office position. 

 

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

 

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: SEIU/RL-16

Hours per week: 35