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Job Description
The Personal Property Tax Specialist will play a critical role in the administration of personal property vehicle taxes, ensuring accurate valuation, assessment, and compliance while delivering exceptional customer service. This position requires meticulous attention to detail, a strong understanding of applicable tax laws and regulations, and the ability to manage high-volume transactional work. Taxpayer Customer Service & Front Desk Support Manage Personal Property tax related tickets escalated by the Finance Customer Service Group or Personal Property Tax Technicians. Provide courteous, accurate, and efficient service to taxpayers. Explain complex Personal Property tax in plain language for non-tax experts. Triage inquiries, research accounts, and resolve complex issues; escalate matters to management when appropriate. Educate taxpayers on processes, deadlines, penalties/interest, exemptions, and documentation requirements. Document all interactions and resolutions in the RVAPay system.
Program Administration:
Establish the valuation of vehicle personal property for tax purposes in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and nationally accepted assessment guides. Determine tax liability or exemption based on verification of residency, military status, and dates of vehicle ownership, referring to sources such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and official guidelines. Investigate and determine taxpayer liability; verify and process abatements for erroneous assessments and supplements for omitted taxes. When applicable, work with Finance team members to address and resolve complex refund-related issues involving citizens, local businesses and vehicle leasing companies. Resolve assessment appeals and corrections, applying the appropriate tax formula, and conducting tax settlement negotiations when necessary.
Data Management & Quality Control:
Participate in quality control reviews related to billing processes to maintain data integrity and accurate tax records. Analyze, process, verify, and assess personal property vehicles; enter taxable vehicles and assessment information into the department's databases, including RVAPay.
Maintain the departmental file system:
compile documentation, prepare files, sort/organize documents, and file/scan documents as required. Work with Department of Finance Administrative team to conduct records maintenance activities in compliance with guidelines governing record retention and shredding/destroying confidential or obsolete documents.
Data Integrity & Process Support:
Safeguard confidential taxpayer information and comply with all applicable privacy and records management requirements. Stay current on City ordinances, State statutes/regulations, and internal SOPs. Recommend updates to procedures and workflows to improve efficiency, consistency, and taxpayer experience. Assist with staff training (e.g., systems use, customer service, compliance protocols).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge (some combination of the following): Accounting and finance Computer programs such as Microsoft Office Suite Electronic databases and related software applications such as DMV Mainframe, JD Powers Valuation Governmental tax policies and procedures Standard office technology and equipment State and City codes pertaining to the assessment and valuation of taxes Skills (some combination of the following): Proficiency at Microsoft Office Suite Data entry Diplomacy Problem-solving Account management Oral and written communication Interpersonal communication Basic mathematics Customer service Researching Interacting with potentially irate or irrational customers Abilities (some combination of the following): Follow standard procedures and established practices Exhibit integrity Maintain a professional demeanor
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Associate's degree in business, accounting, or related field One year of experience in a related field An equivalent combination of training and experience (as approved by the department) may be used to meet the minimum qualifications of the classification LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or
OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid Virginia Driver's License Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Working conditions may include exposure to travel to other locations within the City of Richmond as well as outside of the City of Richmond; exposure to hazardous physical conditions such as mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, etc.; atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, gases, and poor ventilation; inadequate lighting; intense noise; and environmental hazards such as disruptive people, imminent danger, and a threatening environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Due to the nature of work assignments, incumbents must be able to perform detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks, with frequent interruptions and under time constraint. The essential duties of this classification may require the ability to regularly perform repetitive motions, see, hear, talk, feel, finger, lift, walk, balance, and stand; frequently push, reach, crouch, grasp, and kneel; and occasionally climb, stoop, crawl, pull, and lift. The working conditions may include environmental hazards. In terms of the physical strength to perform the essential duties, this classification is considered to be light work , exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. • Internal use: HR Generalist to review.
