Collections Specialist

**Job Posting**

The Collection Specialist leads financial stewardship with respect to administering & executing collections on $50M in accounts receivable balances.An expert in municipal revenue collection,under the direction of the Collections Supervisor,the Collection Specialist is responsible to collect outstanding taxes & other revenue due to HRM. The Collection Specialist ensures that accounts escalated for collection are pursued in a professional manner using all means available within a cost effective protocol to effect payment.Collection methods include tax sale,filing judgements,filing warrants,& initiate small claims action on delinquent accounts.The Collection Specialist is required to strictly follow provisions of the Halifax Charter & Administrative Order18,Revenue & Collections Policy with respect to tax collection & tax sale action,as well as have knowledge of the Municipal Government Act,Assessment Act,Bankruptcy Act,HRM By-Laws & Administrative Orders.The Collection Specialist will be required to interact closely with Collection Supervisor,Legal Services,Finance,Councilors,other HRM business units & Provincial Government departments.The Collection Specialist will be responsible to communicate & escalate any risk sensitive accounts & collection issues to the Collections Supervisor.This position requires ability to handle high levels of stress as the tax sale process deals with very sensitive issues & can be an emotional experience for HRM residents

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Answers inquiries from taxpayers,lawyers,financial institutions regarding tax account balances,tax rates,assessed values & processing of payments.Analyses/interprets complex tax account for resolution
- Initiates & carries out Tax Sale Proceedings on overdue accounts.Monitors accounts for Tax Sale Redemption.Ensures Certificates & Deeds are filed at Registry of Deeds
- Other duties as assigned
- Collect overdue accounts indebted to HRM in accordance with Halifax Charter & Administrative Order#18
- Participate in scheduling/administration of public tax sale auctions.In accordance with Halifax Charter,other relevant legislation,& municipal policies & procedures,analyze/recommend to Supervisor which overdue tax accounts are eligible for tax sale;administer statutory requirement related to tax sale auction.This includes but not limited to all notices & communications with taxpayers,ordering title searches,posting advertisements in newspapers,calculation & reconciliation of all account adjustments,coordinating all arrangements for public tax safe auction,ensuring receipt & recording of funds
- Administer post tax sale activity(issuance of certificate of sale,tax sale deed,registering final title transfer,reporting surplus funds to be reserved in capital account)
- Process tax sale redemption & court orders claiming tax sale surplus funds in accordance with Halifax Charter
- Provide advice to residents regarding payment arrangements,provincial & HRM grants programs,financing & legal options,when dealing with tax arrears
- Monitor accounts under collection activity ensure follow-up contact;may include research to locate individuals with outstanding accounts
- Send arrears notices on all tax/general revenue accounts in accordance with current policies.Respond to enquiries generated from arrears notices
- Provide advice/assist customers in preparation of documentation relevant to exemption/deferral program as it relates to tax sale process
- Maintain contact with external organizations such as legal representatives,financial institutions,provincial departments,land registry office,property valuation services & staff at mobile home parks,as necessary to facilitate prompt collection accounts
- Recommend accounts for write-off/preparation of supporting documentation

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education & Experience**:

- Diploma in 2 yr Business Program,Paralegal,or related field
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in municipal collections,tax sale or corporate collections
- Experience in administrative matters involving real estate would be an asset
- Experience in municipal taxation would be an asset

**Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities**:

- Strong Customer Service Skills focused on internal/external client
- Excellent oral & written communication skills
- Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act(FOIPOP)
- Familiar with HRM/Provincial Data Sharing Agreement
- NS Property Database
- Internal approved Policy/Procedure
- Experience municipal collection
- Thorough understanding & knowledge of Halifax Charter,Municipal Government Act,Assessment Act,Federal & Provincial Legislation,Administrative Order#18,Bankruptcy Act
- Understanding of property ownership/title search

**Security Clearance Requirements**:Applicant may be required to complete employment security screening check

**COMPETENCIES**:Achievement motivation,Analytical Thinking,Organization & Planning,Customer Service,Flexibility, Initiative,Organiza