Job Description

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent position of Collections Specialist in the Accounting & Finance Division of Finance & Asset Management. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves & recognizing Diversity & Inclusion as one of the Municipality\'s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy & we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians & Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities & 2SLGBTQ+ Persons.Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application

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:Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check

Please note-Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical & job specific knowledge.Candidates,who are selected for testing,may be tested in a group setting,scheduled at the employer\'s discretion

COMPETENCIES:Achievement motivation,Analytical Thinking,Organization & Planning,Customer Service,Flexibility, Initiative,Organizational Awareness,Teamwork & Cooperation,Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS:Permanent,Full Time

HOURS OF WORK:Monday to Friday,8:30am-4:30pm;35 hrs/wk

SALARY:$33.08/hr; Level 7 as per NSUPE 13 Collective Agreement

WORK LOCATION:40 Alderney Drive,Dartmouth

CLOSING DATE:Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on January 17,2023

This is a bargaining unit position.External applicants will only be considered if there are no qualified bargaining unit candidates

Please note:We thank all applicants for their interest in this position.Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted

During the recruitment process,applicants have the right to request an accommodation.Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process(such as an interview or testing)& who require accommodation,should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process

Qualified HRM retirees may also be considered for competitions. In these circumstances,a form of employment may be offered,including term &or contract employment

(position#72285923)

Halifax