Business License and Tax Specialist

Position Description

The License and Tax Administration (LTA) Division of City Finance is seeking a tech savvy and dynamic Business License &Tax Specialist (Sr. Customer Service Representative) to join our team. LTA provides front-line customer service for all citizens who wish to purchase or renew a business license and/or pay business and regulated taxes to the City of Seattle.

In this role you will assist a diverse customer base in person, over the phone and via email, by providing customized guidance and information regarding business licensing. Success in this role requires a commitment to top notch customer service and the ability to communicate complex tax information in an understandable and accessible manner to a customer base of nearly 100,000 local businesses.

City Finance is responsible for the financial operations of the City of Seattle. Working in partnership with the City's Budget Director, City Finance oversees the City's financial control functions and enterprise reporting responsibilities. City Finance, which includes approximately 160 employees, manages enterprise-wide transaction programs and is comprised of the following divisions: Citywide Accounting and Payroll Services, Treasury Services, Risk Management and Claims Processing, License and Tax Administration, Business Systems, Debt Management and Policy and Partnerships. City Finance also supports the City Council and its staff by providing financial information and technical expertise as they develop financial policies. The City Finance Director, a member of the Mayor's Cabinet, serves on the board of the City's retirement systems and is a voting member of the City's Economic and Revenue Forecast Council for all employees.
Job Responsibilities

• Provide customer service regarding business license and tax information and calculation, in person, over the phone and through written correspondence.
• Interpret, explain, and apply license and tax requirements and review filings for compliance.
• Review and complete high-volume data entry of license applications, tax reporting forms and payments, and correspondence for business license accounts.
• Review and enter the data for monthly tax reporting forms and tax payments on utility services, retail gambling revenues, admission tax and commercial parking tax.
• Manage delinquent accounts by initiating customer contact and making collection efforts. Develop reports to track work performance.
• Test new software enhancements and or systems.
• Receive applications and fees; verify code compliance associated with various regulatory licenses.
• Set up accounts and perform customer service inquiries on 12,000 new business license accounts each year, as well as close approximately the same number of accounts each year.
• Perform intake, data maintenance, and customer service inquiries on 100,000 active business license accounts.
• Log and archive all tax returns and associated documents.
• Follow up with customers on payment and documentation discrepancies.
• File and retrieve tax and license documents.
• Answer a high-volume customer inquiry phone line.
• Research and interpret the Seattle Municipal Code, Seattle Tax Rules, and other legislation.
• Analyze database queries.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Requires three (3) years' experience in customer service and/or billing process, including at least one (1) year equivalent to a Customer Service Representative.
(Or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.)

Desired Qualifications:
The most successful candidates will have the following skills and qualifications:

• Associate degree or Advanced Training Certification in Business, Accounting, Tax or Finance.
• Prior experience working with or interpreting tax or business licensing code is highly desired.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills: able to create, edit and analyze advanced formulaic tables.
• Prior experience providing service to diverse customers including angry or hostile customers.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint & Publisher.
• Must be able to accurately type 45 wpm.
• Advanced experience using a 10-key.
• The ability to work in a high volume, multi-tasking work environment adhering to strict deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex information effectively.
• Good judgment and reliability.
• Experience and competence using Microsoft Office Suite, including running Access queries, creating brochures, and creating letter templates and mail merges.
• Excellent time management skills.

Additional Information
To be considered for this position: please complete your NeoGov application and attach a resume and cover letter indicating how you meet or exceed the job qualifications. Selected candidates will be invited to test with the Department. Top candidates will be selected to move on to an interview.

Work Environment
This position requires onsite work. Alternative Work Arrangements and hybrid telework schedules for work conducted in a normal office environment may be considered and will be based on operational needs and consistency with City Finance policies.

The full salary range for this position is$ 30.50 - $ 34.15 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans .

Applicants must successfully pass a background check, which will be conducted in accordance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be given a chance to explain or correct background information and provide verifiable information of good conduct and rehabilitation.

Language Premium - Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC4.20.360), which provides a $200.00 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are properly evaluated and assigned to provide direct communication in-language, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.
The City is a Drug Free Workplace.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:
"Most" Employees Plans - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2023 4:00 PM Pacific