Corporate Collections Clerk

Scope of Position:
As part of the overall corporate collections team this role will undertake a variety of activities in support of collections and customer service. Required to work within the policies and procedures to provide front-line customer service as related to property tax collections and Provincial offences fines in arrears as well as other applicable clerical and accounting support.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Corporate Collections Clerk will:

- Undertake a wide variety of POA collections related activities including background investigation of files, determining appropriate enforcement action to ensure maximum recovery, initiating all collection activities, monitoring outside collection agency files, recoveries and processing of accounts including monthly payments and receivables reconciliation.
- Undertake a wide variety of property tax collections related activities including background investigation of files, determining appropriate enforcement action to ensure maximum recovery, initiating all collection activities, and review/analyse property tax database with respect to tax arrears and identify properties eligible for tax sale.
- To provide a variety of clerical and accounting support services as part of an aggressive campaign to collect property tax and Provincial Offences fines in arrears.
- Undertake water and wastewater arrears collection process.
- Ensure any notices received relating to bankruptcy proceedings are actioned accordingly.
- Participate in the strategic planning of the collections program including establishing priorities and procedures, performing background investigation of files, researching, determining the appropriate enforcement action to ensure maximum recovery (including civil action as necessary) and notification of appropriate write-offs.
- Works within the policies and procedures established by Norfolk County and the authorities granted in the Municipal Act, Provincial Offences Act, and Ontario Regulations related to the collection property taxes and Provincial Offences fines in arrears.
- Provide high-quality and efficient front counter customer service.
- Act as a Courtroom Clerk as needed; endorsing court dispositions, recording court proceedings, arraigning, swearing in defendants, officers, witnesses, making notes for transcription purposes, and related court updating.
- Create and establish reports for statistical and performance reporting for budget purposes.
- Communicate with debtors and attempt to resolve outstanding payments through negotiated payment arrangements and plans.
- Act as primary liaison with external collection agencies by assigning files, recoveries, processing accounts and monitoring their performance.
- Monitor and oversee the operation of CAMS, and be accountable for the development and facilitation of training and related programs as required.
- Accountable for the preparation of all accounts receivable and accounts payable to other jurisdictions (Ministry of the Attorney General, Service Ontario, etc.)
- Prepare and mail correspondence to individuals on behalf of the Treasurer and/or Manager and Tax Collector, Revenue Services.
- To provide front-line customer service in property tax and Provincial Offences sections when necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Requirements**:
Knowledge and Experience:

- Post-secondary degree/diploma in a program such as court administration, legal administration/law, business or office administration.
- Two years up to and including three years of current related experience.
- Experience in court administration and related scheduling and court clerking considered an asset.
- Possess an aptitude for figures, attention to detail and the ability to complete analysis and reconciliations within deadlines.
- Proven communication and public relations skills.
- Completion of the Municipal Tax Administrator Program, or must be working toward attaining certification within 24 months from date of hire.

Skills and Abilities:

- Ability to exercise discretion, judgement and work independently with a high degree of accuracy and initiative.
- Proven multi-tasking skills with an ability to handle multiple items, projects and responsibilities.
- Excellent communication and organizational abilities including detailed documentation and record keeping skills with capacity to work under pressure, listen effectively and deal with emotionally charged situations.
- Excellent understanding of fines and/or property tax collections methodologies as permits under current legislation.
- Computer expertise required in Corporate standard software (Microsoft Office) with proficient skills in Microsoft Excel to maintain statistical information along with general knowledge of department-specific software including ICON, ARIS, Great-Plains and Digital Recording Equipment.
- Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occu