Job Description

Posting number: 26-10925

Department: Tax Collector

Job classification: TAX SPECIALIST I

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Office and Administrative Support

Summary

Looking for a career where your work truly makes a difference in your community? Join the Travis County Tax Office and become part of a team dedicated to serving local residents every day. From helping neighbors navigate important services to supporting the programs that keep our community running, your work will have a direct impact right here in Travis County.

At the Travis County Tax Office, you’ll enjoy more than just a rewarding career. You’ll receive competitive pay, a strong retirement plan, and 100% employer-paid medical and life insurance on select plans. We believe in supporting our employees both professionally and personally, offering outstanding benefits including 12 paid holidays each year, up to 8 weeks of paid parental leave, paid personal holidays, and generous sick and vacation leave accruals twice a month.

As a Tax Specialist, you’ll take on a dynamic and meaningful role assisting customers through our contact center, processing property tax payments, court fees, and vehicle title transactions, and helping residents understand tax, court, and voter registration processes. Every day brings new opportunities to solve problems, provide guidance, and deliver exceptional service to the community.

This entry-level position offers far more than a starting point. It’s the beginning of a long-term career path with opportunities for growth and advancement. We’re committed to investing in your future through career development programs and education incentives, including tuition reimbursement for courses related to advancing your tax office career.

If you’re looking for a stable, purpose-driven career with excellent benefits, professional growth opportunities, and the chance to serve your community, we encourage you to apply today!

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the first in a series of three tax-related job classifications within the Administrative Support job family. This classification is distinguished from the Tax Specialist II in that incumbents typically have limited tasking capabilities, do not process complex titles, and require extensive supervision to meet standards. This is an entry-level job classification with a pronounced emphasis on customer service.

Examples of duties

• Applies functional knowledge to analyze and respond to matters requiring basic knowledge of department policies and procedures. Performs and conducts research and interpretation in a variety of substantive areas, including whether registrants are in compliance with Texas Traffic Laws, Property Tax Code, Alcoholic Beverage Code, and Texas Election Law. Applies knowledge to system of court fines and fees to determine necessary method of transaction completion. Analyzes simple tax accounts/court cases and legal documents.
• Processes registrations, property tax payments, court fines and fees. Determines eligibility and compliance of voter registration applications. Returns incomplete voter registration applications to applicants with explanation of additional information required. Performs tasks necessary to complete mail-in license registration, subcontractor renewals and title applications. Processes simple titles independently.
• Records transactions and maintains manual and computerized journal entries. Processes financial reports, including receipts, claims, and disbursements. Performs cashiering functions on a rotating basis and balances cash drawer at the end of shift. Balances tax revenues to tax payments and receipts on a daily basis. Receives, posts and issues receipts for fee payments or other charges and submits monies and pertinent information to appropriate departments.
• Approves short-term payment arrangements within office guidelines. Reviews delinquent accounts and contacts appropriate party(s) for payment.
• Maintains effective document, file, and record retrieval system. Maintains accountability for files processed through the system. Enters data from document receipts into automated record system. Compiles information using computer systems. Audits data entry reports and prints final reports for other departments.
• Performs general office functions, including gathering information and statistical data, creating databases and generating reports using spreadsheet and database software. Writes and prepares correspondence. Provides direction and information to the public on procedures, forms and regulations. Provides public with file information, in person and by telephone and may act as the primary contact for assigned functions. May perform general office activities, such as ensuring facility availability, opening and closing doors, and assisting in administrative staff support. May staff service counters, information booth, drive through and lobby areas to assist customers.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High School diploma or G.E.D. AND four (4) years of increasingly responsible office/clerical experience, including the operation of modern office procedures and computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages. Must have customer service experience AND a minimum of one (1) year experience in a directly related function;

OR,

Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements:

None required.

Preferred:

Negotiation experience.

Call center experience.

Valid Texas Driver's License.

Bilingual (English and Spanish)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Customer service and resolving customer problems.
• Texas Traffic Laws, Property Tax Code, Alcoholic Beverage Code, and Texas Election Law.
• Modern office/clerical practices and procedures, and methods.
• Application of court fines and fees.
• File management and techniques.
• Principle and procedures of record keeping.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Working with customers, both in person and on the phone.
• Resolving complex problems.
• Conducting research and presenting information.
• Processing financial reports, including receipts, claims, and disbursements.
• Performing cashier duties, such as receiving cash, issuing and posting receipts for fee payments or other charges.
• Working independently.
• Analyzing data.
• Negotiating payment plans.
• Recording and compiling material for reports.
• Operating a variety of modern office equipment, including a computer.
• Both verbal and written communication.

Ability to:

• Resolve customer issues and maintain a production schedule.
• Compile data and present it in a clear and comprehensive manner.
• Understand and carry out verbal and written directions.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental clientele, representatives of outside agencies, other County employees and officials, and the general public.

Supplemental information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 20-50 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and office equipment. Subject to sitting, client/customer contact, standing, walking, vision to monitor, repetitive motion, stooping/kneeling, squatting, bending, and reaching to perform the essential functions.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:15-5:30 Varying hours

Location: 2433 Ridgepoint Dr Austin, TX 78754

Department: Tax Collector

Criminal Background Check Required.

For updates or questions on this position, contact Danielle.Moore@traviscountytx.gov.

Positions are available in our Motor Vehicle Divisions.

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.