Tax Arrears Clerk

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4^th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being received for the above position in the Financial Services Department within the Corporate Services Commission. While all applications will be received, current members of CUPE 905 (Inside Workers) will be given first consideration. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online by March 14, 2024.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contacts tax/ratepayers and/or other interest parties where property tax accounts are overdue (as per Tax Collection Procedures) by phone or letter, and conducts personal interview to assist and negotiate payment for municipal debts owing. Schedules and conducts personal interview to arrange for the collection of taxes due.
• Receives and investigates concerns regarding outstanding accounts and documents same on TXM.
• Draft correspondence and system generated collection letters. Responds to e-tax, ACR and counter enquiries for accounts in arrears, added charges and general tax and assessment enquiries. Directs enquirers to appropriate staff
• Receives payments, verifies amounts for accuracy and ensure that tax/ratepayers fulfill payment arrangements and/or meet suitable payment requirements. Forwards payments to Cashier. Monitors accounts for compliance of payment arrangements and initiate further collection activities which includes preliminary tax sale process.
• Contacts taxpayers to arrange replacement of dishonoured cheques.
• Traces ownership of outstanding tax accounts by referring to assessment roll, telephone director or requests title searches.
• Prepare monthly status reports for Management review and update monthly KPIs
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Competencies

• College degree or University graduate business/accounting or equivalent
• Minimum 3 years of tax experience some of which must relate specifically to collections
• Experience providing front-line customer service, with the ability to deal with the public, City staff, officials and external organizations and handle customer inquiries in person, by telephone and in writing.
• Experience with Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel and Access)
• Knowledge of the policies and practices, legislation, regulations and or City By-laws relating to taxation
• Collections experience an asset
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with all levels of staff and the public
• Excellent interpersonal skills to act as divisional representative and to liaise with all levels of staff, legal, the public and other external contact in an efficient, discrete and diplomatic manner
• Ability to conduct detailed and/or non-structured research of analysis with minimum supervision, within tight deadlines
• Ability to perform detailed computations and calculations

Core Behaviours

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.