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 revenues 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 the provisions of the Halifax Charter & Administrative Order 18,the 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 the Collection Supervisor,Legal Services,Finance,Councillors, 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 the 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 accounts for resolution
- Initiates & carries out Tax Sale Proceedings on overdue accounts.Monitors appropriate accounts for Tax Sale Redemption.Ensures Certificates & Deeds are filed at Registry of Deeds
- Other duties as assigned by Supervisor
- Collect on all overdue accounts indebted to the HRM in accordance with the Halifax Charter & Administrative Order #18
- Participate in the scheduling & administration of public tax sale auctions. In accordance with the Halifax Charter,other relevant legislation,& municipal policies & procedures,analyze & recommend to the Supervisor which overdue tax accounts are eligible for tax sale;administer all statutory requirements related to the 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 activities(issuance of certificate of sale,tax sale deed,registering final title transfer,reporting surplus funds to be reserved in the capital account)
- Process tax sale redemptions & court orders claiming tax sale surplus funds in accordance with the Halifax Charter
- Provide advice to residents regarding payments arrangements, provincial & HRM grants programs,financing & legal options, when dealing with tax arrears
- Monitor all accounts under collection activity to ensure timely follow-up contact;may include research to locate individuals that have outstanding accounts with HRM
- Send arrears notices on all tax/general revenue accounts in accordance with current policies. Respond to enquiries generated from the 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 to supervisor any accounts for write-off,including preparation of supporting documentation

**QUALIFICATIONS**

**Education & Experience**:

- Diploma in 2 year 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 focussed on internal and external clients
- Excellent oral & written commuAication skills
- Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP)
- Familiar with HRM/Provincial Data Sharing Agreement
- NS Property Database
- Internal approved Policies & Procedures
- Experience in municipal collection
- Thorough understanding & knowledge of the Halifax Charter, Municipal Government Act, Assessment Act, Federal & Provincial Legislation, Administrative Order #18, Bankruptcy Act
- Understanding of property ownership & title searches

**Security Clearance Requirements**:Applicant