SUMMARY:
The Deputy Collector is responsible for the collection of all-current and delinquent taxes paid in this office, which includes personal and real estate taxes and improvement taxes. The Deputy Collectors are responsible for giving accurate amounts for delinquent real estate and delinquent personal property tax collections, giving base tax, penalties, and interest and advertising fees. The Deputy Collector is responsible for resolving problems/questions from customer over the telephone or in person concerning tax payments or delinquent tax bills, may direct caller to other offices or individuals within the office for assistance, and may perform research for statements, payments, etc. Ensure that all office functions are performed efficiently and in a professional and timely manner and that each situation is handled according to office policies. Is also involved in the collection and daily handling of the $300 million in taxes.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Accept tax payments received at the payment window, enter data in computers, and issue receipts for tax payments to the customers. Place office copy in receipt number order, place funds in cash drawers.
Accept payments made by mail, verify check amount with the Tax Collector’s records. If amounts are incorrect or there is any type of problem, attempt to contact taxpayer by phone. If not possible, complete a form letter and inform the customer of the problem. Once form letter is completed, scan letter and check into taxpayers account and place message regarding letter in general comments.
Balance the receipts to the computer at the end of the day.
Enter accurate messages in computer to prevent errors and to inform other employees of potential problems with that taxpayer or his/her account. Always access messages to verify what you need to know before processing payments.
Enter address changes in computer for correct mailing of receipts and send to other departments for corrections on mailing of statements, etc.
Answer telephones, direct phone calls to appropriate person, or take messages in a polite and efficient manner. Provide assistance to caller with tax questions and or problems resolution.
Provide tax information to realtors, attorneys, abstractors, lending institutions, and individuals either by phone or in person.
Resolve problems and handle customers in a professional manner.
Provide tax clearance for individuals as well as other counties. Collect and forward payments for other counties to them. This enables us to give clearances from that county.
Always give good customer service to the public and treat everyone in a courteous and friendly manner. Make sure that information common to the Collector's Office is accurately given to all office contacts.
Ensure that tax money collected is counted correctly when received and counted back to the taxpayer correctly and the amount received is entered on receipts and on the computer for accurate tax accounting. If someone other than the taxpayer pays the taxes, then enter the payee's name for reference in case of refund, research, etc.
Conduct all liaison activities in a professional manner to ensure maximum cooperation between and among the County, the public, and other agencies.
Ensure that all duties assigned are performed in an efficient and responsible manner according to office policies and procedures.
Willingness and ability to be cross-trained on other employee’s duties, in order for the functions of the office to be uninterrupted when someone is on vacation, ill, or leave of absence.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES and EXTRA RESPONSIBILTIES may assign to those employees with adequate experience and knowledge. These are employees who show initiative, time management, and ability to work with minimum supervision and express a desire to continue to grow in knowledge and responsibility. Extra duties and assignments have already been assigned to several of our Deputy Collectors by the Chief Deputy and the Collector. More assignments will be added to others in the future, as experience is adequate to do so.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Minimum of high school diploma or general education degree (GED)
One-year previous experience working in cashiering, bank teller, and/or general office experience.
OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:
The Deputy should possess good typing and good dexterity, as speed is essential when accepting payments; excellent interpersonal skills when dealing with taxpayers and other employees; have knowledge of modern office practices and procedures. Have strong written and verbal communication skills; desirable to have general understanding of tax laws and terminology. The incumbent should also possess computer skills, accurate data entry and have working knowledge of general office machines such as calculator, copies, fax, printer, postage meter, printers, etc.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employees is regularly required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects and to talk or hear. The employee must occasionally reach with hands and arms and is required to sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS OVERVIEW:
Benefits are an important part of the overall compensation package. We are pleased to offer a comprehensive array of valuable benefits.
County Paid Insurance Benefits
Employee Medical
Basic life and ADD Insurance
Long‑term disability insurance
Access to voluntary benefits, including:
Medical (Spouse/Children)
Dental, and Vision coverage
Supplemental life insurance
Short‑term disability
Critical Illness coverage
Accident insurance
Hospital indemnity plans
View the Benefits Guide for more information
Retirement & Financial Security
Participation in the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System (APERS) pension program
Voluntary Nationwide Deferred Compensation 457(b) Retirement plan
Time Off & Work–Life Balance
11 Paid Holidays annually
Paid Sick Leave (up to 12 working days per year)
Paid Vacation Leave (up to 10 working days per year)
Paid Personal Day annually
County government for Benton County, the most populous county in Arkansas.